Description
Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding is a decadent British-inspired dessert featuring a moist chocolate and date pudding topped with a rich, homemade toffee sauce. This indulgent treat combines the comforting flavors of dates, cocoa, and caramelized sugar, perfect for serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
For the pudding:
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
For the toffee sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dates: Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Stir in baking soda and let sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates, which will help create a moist and flavorful pudding.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding in the softened dates (including the soaking liquid) and chocolate chips if using, to combine evenly.
- Bake the pudding: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or individual ramekins. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling the pudding is cooked through.
- Prepare the toffee sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for flavor balance.
- Serve the pudding: Once the pudding is warm from the oven, poke holes in it with a skewer or fork. Pour some of the warm toffee sauce over the pudding, allowing it to soak in for a few minutes. Serve the pudding warm with extra toffee sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- This dessert can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a richer, deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar and high-quality cocoa powder.
- Optional dark chocolate chips add extra chocolate richness to the pudding.
- To enhance the softness of the dates, ensure they soak for a full 10 minutes in boiling water with baking soda.
