Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe (Classic British Dessert With Homemade Toffee Sauce)
Today, I will discuss one of my favorite British dessert recipes with you. It’s called Sticky Toffee Pudding, and it’s made with a soft date sponge cake and smothered in a homemade toffee sauce that’s buttery, glossy, and deeply caramelized. It’s the kind of comfort food dessert people crave during winter, holidays, and special family dinners.
Loved across the UK and now popular worldwide, sticky toffee pudding (also known as sticky date pudding) is one of the most beloved traditional English desserts. This dessert is now being served extensively among Christmas dessert recipes, holiday dessert ideas, and dinner party desserts.
Unlike overly sweet versions, this moist sticky toffee pudding balances sweetness perfectly, making it ideal for serving with vanilla ice cream, warm custard, or whipped cream. It’s also a favorite for make-ahead desserts, making it perfect for busy holidays and celebrations. So let’s find out how you can easily make this recipe at home.
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What Is Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert made with a soft, moist sponge cake prepared using finely chopped dates and generously covered in a warm, buttery homemade toffee sauce. Despite the name, it isn’t a pudding in the American sense— it’s closer to a rich baked dessert cake that’s deeply comforting, indulgent, and perfect for cold weather, holidays, and special dinners.
This dessert is also widely known as sticky date pudding, especially outside the UK. What makes it stand out from other traditional dessert recipes is its ultra-moist texture, natural sweetness from dates, and the luxurious caramel-style sauce that soaks into the sponge after baking.
👉 In simple terms: Sticky toffee pudding is a warm date sponge cake served with rich toffee sauce—one of the most loved comfort food desserts in British cuisine and a top choice for holiday dessert ideas and dinner party desserts.
Traditionally, sticky toffee pudding is served hot and paired with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream, making it a high-demand recipe during Christmas, Thanksgiving, and winter celebrations. Because it can be made ahead and reheated, it’s also popular as a make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
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Step-by-Step Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Dates (Key to a Moist Sponge)
Place finely chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over them and stir in baking soda. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes.
This step is essential for creating that signature soft, tender texture found in the best sticky toffee pudding recipes. Softened dates blend smoothly into the batter and naturally sweeten the cake without making it dense.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Using brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deep caramel flavor, making this classic British dessert taste rich, warm, and indulgent—perfect for holiday dessert recipes and comfort food desserts.
Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gently mix the softened date mixture into the batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
Avoid overmixing—this keeps the sponge light, airy, and moist. This method is commonly used in traditional English pudding recipes for reliable results.
Step 4: Bake Until Soft & Springy
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 180°C / 350°F for 30–35 minutes. The pudding is ready when the top springs back lightly when touched.
This baking time ensures a perfectly cooked sticky date pudding that stays soft inside without becoming dry—ideal for dinner party desserts and make-ahead desserts.
Step 5: Make & Pour the Homemade Toffee Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Add cream and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until thick and glossy. Finish with vanilla and a pinch of salt.
While the pudding is still warm, poke small holes and pour half of the hot toffee sauce over the top. This allows the sauce to soak in, creating the iconic sticky texture that makes this dessert so popular.
✔ This easy sticky toffee pudding recipe is perfect for Christmas desserts, Thanksgiving meals, and cozy winter evenings. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or custard for a restaurant-style dessert.
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Sticky Toffee Pudding Variations You’ll Want to Save
🍮 Mini Individual Sticky Toffee Puddings
Baking individual sticky toffee puddings in ramekins or muffin tins is perfect for holiday dessert tables, parties, and portion control. They bake faster, look elegant, and are ideal for dinner party desserts that feel restaurant-quality without extra effort.
🌱 Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding
This vegan sticky toffee pudding swaps butter for plant-based butter, eggs for flax eggs, and cream for coconut cream. The result is still rich, moist, and awesome—perfect for dairy-free dessert recipes and plant-based holiday baking.
🌾 Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding
A gluten-free sticky toffee pudding made with a quality gluten-free flour blend stays surprisingly soft and tender.
🥃 Boozy Sticky Toffee Pudding
Add bourbon, dark rum, or whiskey to the toffee sauce for a delicious adult dessert recipe. This version performs exceptionally well during Christmas and Thanksgiving desserts.
🍯 Low-Sugar Sticky Toffee Pudding
Reduce refined sugar by using date syrup or coconut sugar for a lighter sticky toffee pudding.
🍎 Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding
Adding finely chopped apples creates a seasonal twist that works beautifully for fall dessert recipes. It boosts moisture and adds natural sweetness, making it perfect for cozy baking and comfort food desserts.
👨🍳 Restaurant-Style Sticky Toffee Pudding
Bake the sponge, cut into neat rounds, and serve with hot toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle finish. This restaurant-style sticky toffee pudding is ideal for special occasions and luxurious dessert presentations.
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