When it comes to comforting desserts, few things can compete with the magic of a Sticky Toffee Pudding. This rich, moist sponge cake—packed with sweet dates and drenched in a luscious salted caramel sauce—is pure indulgence on a plate, served across Ireland. Add a scoop of ice cream, and you have a dessert that feels both decadent and homely at the same time. No wonder it’s a “desert island dessert” for so many!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Moist and decadent – thanks to the dates and treacle.
- Quick caramel sauce – a cheat’s version that’s fuss-free.
- Perfect for sharing – bake it in one dish and bring it straight to the table.
- Versatile – serve with ice cream, cream, or custard.
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- Softened butter
- Light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- Treacle (or molasses)
- Golden syrup (or corn syrup)
- Vanilla extract
- Self-raising flour
- Chopped dates
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Water
For the salted caramel sauce:
- Dark brown sugar
- Butter
- Golden syrup (or corn syrup)
- Vanilla extract
- Double cream
- Sea salt
Step 1: Make the Pudding Batter
Cream together softened butter and light brown sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add treacle, golden syrup, and vanilla extract for that rich, sticky sweetness.
Sift in the flour and fold through.
Meanwhile, simmer chopped dates in water until softened, then stir in bicarbonate of soda (it will fizz!). Fold this foamy date mixture into the batter. The result is a dark, loose, sticky batter ready for baking.
Pour into a buttered baking dish and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 45 minutes, until golden with just a slight wobble in the center.
Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
This “cheat’s caramel” is quick and foolproof:
- Melt dark brown sugar, butter, and golden syrup together in a saucepan.
- Add vanilla extract and stir until smooth.
- Whisk in cream (carefully—it will bubble).
- Finish with a generous pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
You’ll have a glossy, pourable caramel that keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
Once the pudding comes out of the oven, pour the hot salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and serve immediately.
The warm sponge, rich sauce, and cold ice cream combine into a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of those desserts that feels like a hug in food form—warm, rich, and indulgent. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or as a family treat, it’s guaranteed to impress.
So grab your dates, butter, and sugar, and whip up this Best-Ever Sticky Toffee Pudding. Trust me—you’ll come back to it time and time again.
Other Dishes to try:
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