Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake

Looking for the perfect sticky toffee pudding cake recipe? This easy, indulgent dessert features a moist, soft date cake topped with a rich, gooey toffee sauce. Made with simple ingredients like Medjool dates, butter, sugar, and heavy cream, this British classic is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Ideal for a cozy dessert, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience. This homemade sticky toffee pudding cake is quick to prepare and delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 6 ounces dates, pitted and finely chopped (about 8-10 Medjool dates)
• ¾ cup boiling water
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (5.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cup (6.25 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Toffee Sauce:

• ¾ cup (5.75 ounces) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 stick (4 ounces, 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• Pinch of coarse kosher salt
• ¼ to ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
• Additional heavy whipping cream for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Heat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease your baking dishes (ramekins) with butter or cooking spray. You will need ramekins that are about 12-15 cm in diameter.
2. Prepare the Dates:
   In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Pour boiling water over the dates until they are just covered. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. Afterward, puree the mixture using a food processor or blender until smooth.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs:
   Beat in the eggs, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the pureed date mixture.
7. Fill the Ramekins:
   Pour the batter evenly into the greased ramekins. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the cakes are firm to the touch and a toothpick or paring knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes:
   Allow the cakes to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the ramekins. It’s best to do this while they are still warm.

For the Toffee Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and butter. Stir constantly as it comes to a boil. Continue to boil and stir for about 3 minutes.
2. Finish the Sauce:
   Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in a pinch of kosher salt.
3. Serve:
   Pour the warm toffee sauce over individual servings of the cake. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with additional heavy cream for a richer taste.

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Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Keep the Cake Moist: Sticky toffee pudding cakes are meant to be moist and sticky, so don’t worry if they seem a little underdone when you test them—they should have a slight density and be soft in texture.
• Use Fresh Dates: For the best flavor, use fresh Medjool dates as they are naturally soft and sweet.
• Grease the Ramekins Well: To make sure the cakes come out easily, thoroughly grease your ramekins. If you use a patterned or shaped ramekin, dust it with a little flour or cocoa powder after greasing.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking cakes.
• Add Nuts: For a crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or on top of the cake before baking.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative (such as margarine or coconut oil) and use coconut cream or almond milk in the sauce.
• Less Sweet Option: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the cake and toffee sauce by up to 1/3.
• Flavor Variations: You can add spices like cinnamon or ginger to the batter for a hint of warmth, or incorporate a splash of rum or brandy into the toffee sauce for extra depth.

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FAQs

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the cake and toffee sauce separately, then drizzle the sauce over the warm cake.

Can I freeze the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the toffee sauce. Wrap the individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven and add freshly made toffee sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover sticky toffee pudding cake should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The toffee sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge and reheated before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the warm, rich toffee sauce.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: This dessert is perfect alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai tea for a comforting treat.
• Add a Side of Fruit: Serve with a few fresh berries or stewed apples for a delightful contrast to the rich sweetness of the pudding.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Combination: The soft, moist cake and rich, gooey toffee sauce create a sweet and comforting dessert that is irresistible.
• Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent taste, this sticky toffee pudding cake is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a special gathering, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Warm and Comforting: There’s nothing better than a warm, sticky toffee pudding cake topped with sweet toffee sauce on a chilly day!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, add nuts, or even make it dairy-free, so it suits everyone’s tastes and dietary preferences.