If you’re looking for a dessert that combines comfort and indulgence in every bite, look no further than Sticky Date Pudding. This classic treat is incredibly soft, moist, and packed with natural sweetness from the dates, all topped off with a rich, velvety toffee sauce that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or simply when you need a dessert to impress, this Sticky Date Pudding is bound to become your new favorite!
Why This Sticky Date Pudding Will Win Your Heart
- Perfectly Moist & Tender: The dates create an ultra-moist pudding, ensuring each bite is soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Rich, Buttery Toffee Sauce: The homemade toffee sauce is thick, creamy, and full of caramel flavor—making it the perfect complement to the warm pudding.
- Easy to Make: Despite its luxurious flavor, this dessert comes together effortlessly and bakes in just over 30 minutes.
- Family Favorite: Whether it’s a casual meal or a holiday feast, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or just on its own with that luscious toffee sauce.
Ingredients for the Sticky Date Pudding:
For the Pudding:
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1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- Dates are the heart of this dessert, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
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1 tsp baking soda
- Baking soda helps soften the dates and ensures a light texture in the pudding.
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1 cup boiling water
- The boiling water soaks the dates and activates the baking soda.
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1/2 cup butter, softened
- Butter helps provide a rich, tender texture to the pudding.
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3/4 cup brown sugar
- Brown sugar adds warmth and a slight caramel flavor, enhancing the richness of the pudding.
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2 eggs
- Eggs provide structure and help bind the pudding together.
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Flour gives the pudding its base, ensuring it holds together while staying soft and moist.
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1 tsp baking powder
- Baking powder allows the pudding to rise and remain light.
For the Toffee Sauce:
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1/2 cup butter
- Butter is the base for the toffee sauce, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.
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1 cup brown sugar
- Brown sugar infuses the sauce with deep caramel flavor and sweetness.
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1 cup heavy cream
- Heavy cream gives the sauce richness and a velvety consistency.
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1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vanilla adds a fragrant, aromatic note to the sauce, balancing the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sticky Date Pudding:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Date Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda.
- Pour boiling water over the dates and let them soak for 10 minutes. Mash the mixture lightly with a fork to break the dates down a bit.
3. Make the Pudding Batter:
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder to the mixture, folding until just combined.
- Finally, stir in the soaked date mixture until the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Bake the Pudding:
- Pour the pudding batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Make the Toffee Sauce:
- While the pudding bakes, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Serve the Pudding:
- Once the pudding has baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the warm pudding with a generous drizzle of the toffee sauce poured over the top.
Serving Suggestions for Extra Decadence:
- With Ice Cream: Serve your Sticky Date Pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warmth of the pudding with creamy coldness.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to bring an extra airy sweetness to the dish.
- Extra Toffee Sauce: For those who can’t get enough of the sauce, pour more toffee sauce over the pudding just before serving.
- Chopped Nuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth pudding and sauce.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Date Pudding:
- Soak the Dates Well: Soaking the dates in boiling water softens them and releases their natural sweetness, making the pudding extra moist.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a denser pudding.
- Check Doneness: The pudding is done when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, but it should still be moist inside.
Why This Sticky Date Pudding is a Must-Make
This Sticky Date Pudding is the ultimate dessert for those who love comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re enjoying it with family after a home-cooked meal or serving it as the grand finale to a special dinner, this dessert brings warmth, sweetness, and pure indulgence in every bite. With its soft, date-infused cake and rich toffee sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite and a go-to dessert for all seasons! 🍴✨