Save A cozy, rustic dessert with a deep caramel flavor, luscious dates, and a rich toffee sauce perfect for fireside gatherings or indulgent cabin weekends.
This is one of my favorite recipes to bring to cabin weekends because it fills the space with warmth and comfort.
Ingredients
- For the Pudding: 225 g (1 1/2 cups) pitted Medjool dates, chopped, 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water, 1 tsp baking soda, 85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter softened, 175 g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) dark brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 200 g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- For the Sticky Toffee Sauce: 200 g (1 cup) dark brown sugar, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, 1 tbsp black treacle or molasses (optional for depth), Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a 23 cm (9-inch) square or round baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour over boiling water and sprinkle with baking soda. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Step 4:
- Mash the softened dates (with liquid) lightly with a fork, then fold into the batter.
- Step 5:
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Step 6:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- While the pudding bakes, make the sauce Combine brown sugar, cream, butter, treacle (if using), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 7 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Once the pudding is done, poke holes all over the surface with a skewer. Pour about half of the hot toffee sauce over the pudding. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm, cut into squares, with extra toffee sauce drizzled over each portion. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Save Our family loves gathering around the table for this dessert, making cozy memories every time we share it.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or sturdy whisk, 23 cm (9-inch) baking dish, Saucepan, Wooden spoon or silicon spatula, Skewer or toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (wheat flour), Eggs, Dairy (butter cream). May contain traces of nuts if substituting or as processed. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 470, Total Fat 21 g, Carbohydrates 67 g, Protein 4 g per serving
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This dessert is the perfect comforting finish to any meal and always impresses guests with its rich flavor.
Your Questions Answered
- → What type of dates work best?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their natural softness and caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the pudding’s richness.
- → Can I make the toffee sauce in advance?
Yes, the toffee sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving to preserve its smooth texture.
- → What’s the purpose of baking soda in soaking dates?
Baking soda softens the dates by breaking down fibers, ensuring they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
- → How do I know when it’s fully baked?
A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, indicating the pudding is done baking.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded in to add a crunchy contrast to the moist pudding.
- → What beverages pair well with this dessert?
Strong black tea or a glass of tawny port complement the deep caramel and date flavors beautifully.