Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

Introduction

Delight in the rich flavors of this Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, a beloved British dessert combining sweet, sticky toffee with a moist, tender cake. Featuring soft dates and a luscious toffee sauce, this treat is perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Toffee Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour boiling water over the dates and let them sit for 20 minutes to soften.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the softened date mixture with its liquid.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the cake bakes, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: When the cake is warm, poke holes across the surface with a fork. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
8. Step 8: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the remaining toffee sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use Medjool dates for a naturally sweeter, moister cake.
• For extra richness, add a pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice to the dry ingredients.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
• To make individual portions, bake the batter in ramekins and adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving, adding extra toffee sauce if desired. This cake also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without dates?

While dates are traditional and provide moisture and sweetness, you can substitute with prunes or figs for a similar texture and flavor. The toffee sauce will enhance the overall taste regardless.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, this sticky toffee pudding cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this classic British Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake. Featuring moist cake studded with softened dates and topped with a luscious homemade toffee sauce, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy Sunday dinners. The gooey texture and deep caramel notes make it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Toffee Sauce

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Dates: In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates with baking soda and then pour boiling water over them. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes to soften the dates, which will add moisture and flavor to the pudding.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour together with baking powder and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
4. Make Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the softened date mixture along with its soaking liquid, which will keep the cake moist and tender.
5. Bake Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and pour the batter evenly into it. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
6. Make Toffee Sauce: While the cake bakes, prepare the toffee sauce by combining brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
7. Finish with Toffee Sauce: Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, use a fork to poke holes all over its surface. Pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the cake to soak into these holes, ensuring every bite is sticky and flavorful.
8. Serve: Serve the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake warm or at room temperature. Drizzle with the remaining toffee sauce just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

• For best results, allow the dates to soak fully in the boiling water and baking soda mixture—it helps break them down and enhances moisture.
• You can prepare the toffee sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before pouring over the cake.
• This cake is delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender and light.
• Use an 8-inch square baking dish for even baking and the right cake thickness.

Keywords: Sticky Toffee Pudding, British dessert, sticky toffee cake, date cake, toffee sauce, moist cake, classic British pudding