Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe (Easy British Dessert)

This sticky toffee pudding is the ultimate British comfort dessert! Featuring a moist, rich date sponge cake generously drenched in a luscious homemade toffee sauce, this beloved British dessert is pure indulgence. Served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s the perfect ending to any meal—especially on chilly evenings when you’re craving something cozy and sweet.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 9

Why This Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe Works

What makes this date pudding recipe so irresistible is the combination of naturally sweet dates that melt into the batter, creating incredible moisture and depth of flavor, paired with a rich, buttery toffee sauce that soaks into every bite. The result is a dessert that’s tender, gooey, and utterly addictive.

Originating from England’s Lake District, sticky toffee pudding has become a staple in British pubs and restaurants worldwide. This recipe delivers authentic flavors with straightforward techniques, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

For the Date Pudding:

• 1 cup (200g) pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Fresh berries

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding

Step 1: Soak the Dates

Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. This softens the dates and activates the baking soda, which helps tenderize the pudding while enhancing the dates’ natural sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine All Mixtures

Pour the soaked date mixture (including all the liquid) into the butter-sugar mixture and stir until combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—this is normal. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the pudding dense.

Step 7: Bake the Pudding

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy.

Step 8: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding bakes, prepare the toffee sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve warm, cutting into squares and drizzling generously with hot toffee sauce. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the full experience.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding

Use Quality Dates: Medjool dates are ideal for their natural sweetness and soft texture. Avoid overly dry or hard dates, as they won’t incorporate well into the batter.

Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking dates in boiling water with baking soda is crucial for creating a moist, tender pudding. Don’t rush this step.

Avoid Overmixing: When folding in the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and creates a tough, dense texture.

Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, as ovens can vary. Overbaking will dry out the pudding.

Serve Warm: This dessert is at its best when served warm. The contrast between the warm pudding and cold ice cream is heavenly.

Make Extra Sauce: You can never have too much toffee sauce! Consider making a double batch—it keeps well and is delicious on other desserts.

Recipe Variations

Rum or Bourbon Toffee Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon to the toffee sauce for an adult twist.

Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.

Individual Portions: Bake in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Slow Cooker Method: Pour batter into a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours for an ultra-moist version.

Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Salted Caramel Version: Add a pinch of sea salt to the toffee sauce for a salted caramel flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the toffee sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture.

Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Pudding: Microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds until warm, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes covered with foil.

Reheating Sauce: Gently warm the toffee sauce in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream if it’s too thick.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairing: Serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold ice cream melting into the warm pudding is iconic.

Coffee Companion: Pair with a strong cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness.

Layered Dessert: Create a trifle-style dessert by layering crumbled pudding with whipped cream and toffee sauce in glasses.

Holiday Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special celebration.

Elevated Presentation: Top with toasted nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or fresh berries for a gourmet touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the pudding up to a day in advance, cool completely, and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. The toffee sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge.

Why is my pudding dry?
Overbaking is the most common cause. Check doneness a few minutes before the suggested time, and remove from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Also ensure you soaked the dates for the full 15-20 minutes.

Can I use other dried fruit?
While dates are traditional, you can experiment with figs or prunes for a different flavor profile. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is unsalted butter necessary?
Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the recipe.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time as needed—it may take 5-10 minutes longer. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

What’s the difference between sticky toffee pudding and bread pudding?
Sticky toffee pudding is a sponge cake made with dates, while bread pudding uses cubed bread soaked in custard. They’re completely different desserts.

Can I make this without a mixer?
Yes! You can cream the butter and sugar by hand with a wooden spoon—it just takes more arm work and time (about 5-7 minutes).

Why do I add baking soda to the dates?
Baking soda softens the dates and helps them break down into the batter, creating a more cohesive texture. It also reacts with the dates’ natural acids.

This classic sticky toffee pudding recipe is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With its rich toffee sauce and incredibly moist date cake, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!