Easy Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of the United Kingdom’s most beloved desserts—a warm, rich, and comforting pudding cake soaked in luscious toffee sauce. It’s soft, moist, and irresistibly sweet, with the caramel flavor of dates blending perfectly into a buttery sponge.

This recipe captures the traditional flavor but simplifies the process so you can easily make it at home. Whether you’re serving it for a festive occasion or a cozy night in, this Easy Sticky Toffee Pudding will melt in your mouth and impress everyone at the table.

1. Easy Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe (Yield: 12 Servings)

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 8 ounces Medjool dates, pitted (225 g)

• 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)

• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature (75 g)

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed (145 g)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tablespoons molasses (30 ml)

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (200 g)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (6 g)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 g)

For the Toffee Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (120 ml)

• 1/2 cup butter (115 g)

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (160 g)

• 1 pinch salt

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)

Optional:

• Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish

Equipment

• Food Processor – to puree the softened dates

• Muffin Tin – to make 12 individual puddings

• Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, and a saucepan

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by chopping the Medjool dates into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soften the dates. This step is essential—it helps break down the dates and adds natural sweetness and moisture to the pudding.

Once the dates are soft, transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and molasses until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the date puree. Stir until combined, but do not overmix. The batter should be thick, rich, and glossy.

Step 3: Bake the Puddings

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper cups. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the puddings to cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Toffee Sauce

While the puddings bake, make the toffee sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The result should be a smooth, glossy, golden-brown sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

To serve, poke small holes into the top of each warm pudding using a fork or skewer. Pour a spoonful of warm toffee sauce over each pudding, letting it soak in. For extra indulgence, drizzle additional sauce on top before serving.

Garnish with chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch and serve warm with whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream. The combination of hot sponge and cool cream is pure bliss.

2. Tips for Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding

Choose Soft Dates: Use fresh Medjool dates for the best flavor and texture. If they’re slightly dry, soak them a few minutes longer.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the puddings tough. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.

Use a Muffin Tin for Easy Portions: This helps control serving sizes and ensures even baking.

Make Ahead Friendly: You can bake the puddings ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave. The sauce can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Double the Sauce: If you love extra toffee flavor, make a double batch—trust me, you’ll want more!

3. Variations & Substitutes

Gluten-Free Version:

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Vegan Version:

Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and cream with coconut cream. Use plant-based brown sugar to ensure it’s vegan-friendly.

Substitutes for Dates:

If you can’t find dates, use prunes or raisins soaked in boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Blend them into a smooth paste for a similar texture and sweetness.

Substitutes for Toffee Sauce:

If you prefer a shortcut, use store-bought caramel sauce or dulce de leche. Warm it before pouring over the pudding for that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding ahead of time?

Yes! The puddings can be baked up to two days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Warm the sauce separately and pour over before eating.

Can I freeze Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Definitely. Allow the puddings to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Why is my pudding dense?

Dense texture usually comes from overmixing the batter or not creaming the butter and sugar enough. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and mix the rest of the ingredients gently.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Sticky Toffee Pudding tastes best warm, served with toffee sauce and either vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Can I make it in one large dish instead of individual portions?

Yes, bake the batter in a 9×13-inch dish for 30–35 minutes. Slice into squares and drizzle with sauce before serving.

5. Nutrition Information

Sticky Toffee Pudding is the epitome of British comfort desserts—moist, buttery, and drenched in rich caramel goodness. With this simple, foolproof recipe, you can recreate the authentic UK-style pudding right in your kitchen. Whether served at Christmas, after Sunday roast, or as a cozy treat on a rainy day, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.