Sticky Date Pudding is a delicious, comforting dessert known for its rich, moist texture and decadent toffee sauce. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, and the good news is, it’s easier to make than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a rich and moist Sticky Date Pudding that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients for the Pudding:
- 1 ½ cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Toffee Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Begin by chopping the pitted dates into small pieces and placing them in a heatproof bowl. Pour in the water and stir in the baking soda. The baking soda will help soften the dates as they cook and also aid in creating the moist texture of the pudding. Let the dates sit in the water mixture for about 10 minutes to soften.
After the dates have soaked, use a spoon to mash them gently into a thick paste. This helps release their natural sweetness and ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the pudding.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a light and moist pudding texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are fully creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will enhance the depth of flavor, balancing out the sweetness of the dates and toffee sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the mashed date mixture. You should end up with a thick, rich batter.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top of the pudding is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding should have a lovely golden-brown color and a moist, soft texture.
Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a smooth, thick sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. You can keep the sauce warm on low heat, but be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much.
Step 7: Serve
Once the pudding is out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before serving. To serve, cut the sticky date pudding into squares or individual portions and place them on dessert plates. Pour a generous amount of the toffee sauce over the warm pudding.
For an extra indulgence, serve the pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the warm, gooey pudding and the rich toffee sauce makes for an irresistible treat.
Tips for the Perfect Sticky Date Pudding:
- Use Fresh Dates: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, moist dates. They add a natural sweetness and help keep the pudding moist.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dry ingredients with the wet, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense pudding.
- Serve Warm: Sticky Date Pudding is best served warm, so if you’re not serving it immediately, reheat it slightly before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can make the pudding a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven with some additional toffee sauce for an even more flavorful treat.
Sticky Date Pudding is a classic, and with these simple steps, you can make a rich, moist version that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just a cozy evening at home, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.