Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding

When it comes to British desserts, the sticky toffee pudding is a true classic. This indulgent treat has been enjoyed for generations and continues to be a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. But what exactly is sticky toffee pudding and why is it so beloved? Let's dive into the delicious details of this iconic British dessert.

Sticky toffee pudding is a moist and rich dessert made with dates, covered in a luscious toffee sauce, and often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of creme fraiche. Despite its name, it is not actually a pudding in the traditional sense, but rather a cake-like dessert. The "sticky" part of the name refers to the sticky toffee sauce that is poured over the warm pudding, giving it its signature gooey texture.

Sticky toffee pudding has gained such popularity over the years. Its rich and indulgent nature makes it a true comfort food. The combination of moist cake, sweet dates, and sticky toffee sauce creates a heavenly dessert that is hard to resist. Additionally, the warm and gooey texture of the pudding, paired with the coolness of ice cream or crème fraîche, provides a delightful contrast that is incredibly satisfying to the palate.

For me, sticky toffee pudding has a nostalgic appeal. It often takes me back to many a cozy British pub and traditional Sunday lunches, evoking feelings of warmth and tradition. Many people have fond memories of enjoying this dessert with loved ones, making it a beloved part of British culinary heritage. 

How is it made?

The process of making sticky toffee pudding involves a few key steps. First, the dates are simmered in water until they become soft and mushy. These dates are then blended into a smooth puree, which is incorporated into the cake batter. The batter is typically made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and a leavening agent such as baking powder. Once the cake is baked, it is drenched in a heavenly toffee sauce made from butter, sugar, and cream. The warm pudding absorbs the sauce, resulting in a delectable combination of flavours and textures.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 12 soft dried pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 75 grams/5 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons dark molasses
• ¼ cup dark muscavado sugar
• 2 large eggs 
• 150 grams or 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Toffee Sauce:

• 75 grams or 5 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
• 150 grams or 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Golden syrup  
• 100 ml whipping cream 

Prepare the Cake:

Pre heat your oven to 350F

Prepare the dates by placing them in a heat proof bowl. sprinkle in the baking soda and pour in 3/4 cup of boiling hot water and allow them to soak until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Once soft, mash the dates to a coarse pulp.

in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and molasses. Add in the muscovado sugar and beat till incorporated.

Beat in the eggs one ay a time.

Mix the flour and baking powder and fold in to the wet ingredients.

Then fold in the mashed dates and bake in your prepared dish for 30 minutes.

Toffee Sauce:

Gently warm the butter in a heavy bottom pan and add the sugar. Gently swirl the pan to mix the butter and sugar and add in the golden syrup. 

Stir carefully with a clean wooden spoon and then pour in the cream. Bring to a boil and turn off the pan and allow to cool slightly.

Ummold the cake and dab the sauce all over the cake with a pastry brush. Serve cake with a scoop of crème fraîche or ice cream drizzled with toffee sauce for a dollop of deliciousness!