Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

Introduction

Delight in the rich flavors of this Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, a beloved British dessert that combines sweet, sticky toffee with a moist, date-filled cake. Perfectly gooey and irresistibly delicious, it’s a comforting treat for any occasion.

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, mix the chopped dates with baking soda. Pour boiling water over the dates and let them soak for 20 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 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: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the soaked dates along with any remaining liquid.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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 all over 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

• For extra richness, add a splash of strong brewed coffee to the soaking water for the dates to enhance the caramel flavor.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it briefly after cooking to remove any sugar crystals.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm in the oven before serving, adding extra toffee sauce if desired to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the toffee sauce just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving.

Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

Indulge in the rich, moist, and irresistibly gooey Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, a classic British dessert featuring soft dates soaked in a luscious homemade toffee sauce. This comforting cake combines caramel flavors with a tender crumb, perfect for any special occasion or cozy gathering.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Prepare Dates: In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it sit for 20 minutes to soften the dates thoroughly, which helps infuse moisture and flavor into the cake batter.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma and depth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning in the cake.
4. Make Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the softened date mixture including the soaking liquid to keep the batter moist and flavorful.
5. Bake Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish, then pour in the batter evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked but still moist inside.
6. Make Toffee Sauce: While the cake bakes, combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to enhance the sauce’s richness.
7. Finish with Toffee Sauce: Once the cake is warm, use a fork to poke holes all over its surface. Pour half of the warm toffee sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in and create that classic sticky texture.
8. Serve: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the remaining toffee sauce for extra indulgence. This dessert pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

• For best results, ensure dates are softened well in boiling water to achieve a moist cake texture.
• Use an 8-inch square baking dish to maintain the cake’s proper thickness and even baking.
• Toffee sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
• Insert a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
• Serve with optional sides like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the toffee flavors.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving for best taste.

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