What is good about sticky toffee pudding
This sticky toffee pudding recipe creates a soft texture that absorbs the warm sauce perfectly. The use of chopped dates provides natural sweetness and moisture to the sponge. It is a reliable dessert that works well for Sunday lunch or a special family dinner. Making the toffee sauce from scratch gives it a much better taste than any shop bought version.
How to prepare sticky toffee pudding
Prepare dates: Chop the dates into small pieces and place them in a bowl with boiling water and bicarbonate of soda. Let them sit for ten minutes to soften properly. This step ensures the sponge stays moist and has a smooth texture once it is baked.
Mix batter: Cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar together in a large bowl until light. Add the eggs one at a time while whisking gently. Fold in the flour and black treacle before stirring in the soaked dates along with their liquid.
Bake sponge: Pour the mixture into a greased baking tin and smooth the top with a spoon. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C for about thirty minutes until the sponge is firm to the touch. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the tin.
Make sauce: Melt the butter, light brown sugar and double cream in a saucepan over low heat. Bring it to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens and turns a dark golden colour. Pour the hot sauce over the warm sticky toffee pudding before serving it in bowls.
The best tips for sticky toffee pudding
Make sure the dates are chopped finely so they distribute evenly through the batter. If you prefer a darker sauce, cook the sugar and butter for a minute longer before adding the cream. You can poke small holes in the top of the sponge with a skewer so the sauce soaks inside. This sticky toffee pudding can be made a day in advance and reheated in the oven or microwave. Always serve the pudding warm to keep the sauce at a pourable consistency.
Adding a small pinch of salt to the toffee sauce can help balance the sweetness of the sugar. Serve with cold double cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best contrast in temperatures.
You can also try
eccles cakes,
beef bake with vegetables or
spiced rice.