Deliciously Decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe
This Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake is a classic British dessert featuring moist cake studded with softened dates and drenched in a rich, luscious toffee sauce. The combination of sweet, sticky toffee and tender crumb creates an irresistibly gooey texture that is perfect for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a comforting sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
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
Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dates: In a small bowl, mix the chopped dates with baking soda, then pour boiling water over them. Allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes until the dates are softened and plump.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Make Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in the softened date mixture, evenly distributing the dates throughout the batter.
- Bake Cake: Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Make Toffee Sauce: While the cake bakes, prepare the 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 the vanilla extract.
- Finish with Toffee Sauce: When the cake is warm, use a fork to poke holes all over its surface. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak deeply into the holes and enhance its sticky texture.
- Serve: Serve the cake either warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the remaining toffee sauce on top for extra richness and sweetness.
Notes
- Softening the dates in boiling water with baking soda is key to achieving a moist, tender cake texture.
- Poking holes in the warm cake before adding the toffee sauce helps the flavors penetrate deeply.
- You can prepare the toffee sauce ahead of time and gently reheat before serving.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer storage.
Keywords: sticky toffee pudding, sticky toffee pudding cake, British dessert, toffee sauce, date cake, moist cake, comfort food dessert
