Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce

Sticky Toffee Pudding A Winter Desserts Dream

By Serena HollowaySeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy some proper comfort food desserts , eh? Ever wondered what tastes like a warm hug? This Sticky Toffee Pudding is your answer.

Honestly, it's the ultimate treat. Perfect for those gloomy days when you just want to curl up.

Quick Hook: Warm Up With Winter Baking

Ever had a bad day that only sugar could fix? This date pudding recipe will sort you right out. My version of this classic involves a ridiculously good salted caramel sauce .

Trust me, it's divine.

Brief Overview: A Spot of History

This classic winter dessert originates from good old Blighty. It’s proper British and perfect for sharing. It's not too tricky to make and takes about an hour.

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 people.

Main Benefits: Feel Good Food

Dates are surprisingly good for you. This winter dessert is packed with energy. Serve it at Christmas or New Year. What makes it special? The gooey sauce, obviously!

Right then, are you ready to move to the list of Ingredients for this winter baking ?

Right, let's talk shopping. This Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce? It’s all about the right stuff. We need the proper gear, too. Best winter desserts don't just happen, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce presentation

So, before we get our aprons on and start creating some cozy comfort food desserts , let’s make sure we have everything we need.

Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realising you’re out of something mid-bake. I’ve been there. Once, I ran out of sugar while making a cake.

Disaster!

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on the ingredients. Get these right, and you’re halfway there to mastering this date pudding recipe .

For the Pudding:

1 cup (225g) pitted dates, chopped: Medjool are your best bet. They're squidgy and sweet. If they're a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
1 teaspoon baking soda.
1 cup (240ml) boiling water.
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened. It needs to be soft , not melted. Take it out of the fridge an hour before.
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar.
2 large eggs. Free range if you can.
1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour. Plain flour, that is.
1 teaspoon baking powder.
¼ teaspoon salt.

For the Toffee Sauce:

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter.
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar. Don’t skimp. Brown sugar makes all the difference!
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Double cream for us Brits.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar.
3 tablespoons (45ml) water.
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream, warmed.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt. Maldon is the bee's knees.

Seasoning Notes

Alright, listen up: it's about flavour depth. Vanilla extract is key. Use good stuff! For a christmas desserts twist, add ½ teaspoon of mixed spice to the batter. Ooh, festive!

For the salted caramel, don't be shy with the salt. It balances the sweetness perfectly. You want that sweet and salty kiss. I promise!

Equipment Needed

Right, tools. You don’t need a fancy kitchen, but these will make life easier.

8 inch square baking pan.
Parchment paper. To line the pan. Trust me on this. It stops sticking.
Mixing bowls.
Electric mixer.
Saucepan.
Whisk.
Rubber spatula.

Don't have a stand mixer? A handheld one will do. Or, elbow grease! And if you don't have parchment paper, grease the pan really well.

This sticky toffee pudding recipe is a total winner, especially for those cold evenings when you need a bit of cheering up.

It's a perfect winter dessert , you know? Get ready to impress. Happy baking!

Sticky Toffee Pudding: Your Ultimate Winter Dessert

Oh my gosh, let's talk about winter desserts ! Seriously, is there anything better than a warm dessert on a chilly evening? For me, it’s gotta be sticky toffee pudding .

This ain't just any date pudding recipe ; it's the king of comfort food desserts .

This recipe is inspired by cold nights!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First things first, let's get organized. This is the essential mise en place .

Get those dates chopped! Soak 1 cup of chopped dates in 1 cup of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Honestly, this softens them right up.
Measure everything else! Soften ½ cup of butter. Weigh out your sugar and flour. Trust me, it will save you time later.
Safety! Hot caramel is no joke. Be extra careful when making the salted caramel sauce .

step-by-step: Pudding Perfection

Alright, let's get baking! This will make about 6-8 portions.

Cream together ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Do this until it’s light and fluffy.
Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time.
Whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and date mixture. Do this to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Pour into a greased and lined 8 inch square baking pan.
Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 40- 45 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for the Best Pudding

Want to elevate your sticky toffee pudding ? Here are some tips.

Don’t overbake it. Honestly, a dry pudding is a sad pudding.
Make sure the toffee sauce recipe is warm when you pour it over. This is crucial for absorption.
Make the homemade caramel in advance if you want to save time. This part can be tricky!

This classic winter desserts recipe is a crowd pleaser! So, enjoy your baking! The smell of this festive desserts cooking is guaranteed to bring a smile.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Sticky Toffee Pudding

Right then, you're about to dive into making a date pudding recipe . Honestly, this sticky toffee pudding is one of my all-time favourite winter desserts .

It's pure comfort food desserts . Trust me, you will love it!

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Pudding Game

Want to take your winter desserts presentation up a notch? Plating is key, innit? A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must.

Or some proper custard. Drizzle that homemade caramel all over. A sprig of mint adds a bit of fancy. For drinks, think strong coffee or even a bit of dessert wine.

Tawny Port, perhaps?

Storage Tips: Keep the Goodness Going

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep it in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days . Want longer? Freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly.

Then, defrost overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. Make sure it's piping hot. Safety first , yeah?

Variations: Make It Your Own, Blimey

Fancy a twist? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the batter. Instant festive vibes! Nutty about nuts? Toss in ½ cup of chopped walnuts.

Need a gluten-free option? No worries! Use a gluten-free flour blend. dairy-free? Plant based butter and cream to the rescue.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Okay, let's be real. This is dessert. It's not exactly a salad. Each serving is around 550 calories. There are 5 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat.

Plus, 70 grams of carbs. But hey, it's a treat! A well deserved pick-me-up in the bleak winter baking season.

Give the toffee sauce recipe a go! You'll be amazed by how easy it is. And remember, best winter desserts are all about sharing.

Bake this classic winter desserts for your mates. They'll love you for it. Have fun. The perfect excuse to embrace the holiday baking season with this cozy dessert recipes .

You got this!.

Delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding The Ultimate Comfort Food Desserts

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my sticky toffee pudding dry? I thought winter desserts were supposed to be moist!

A dry Sticky Toffee Pudding is usually caused by overbaking. Make sure you check for doneness with a toothpick it should come out clean, but with a few moist crumbs attached. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate, as ovens can vary.

Try reducing the baking time by 5-10 minutes next time, keeping a close eye on it!

Can I make the sticky toffee pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pudding itself can be baked a day ahead. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film. When you're ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven or microwave and pour over freshly made, warm toffee sauce. In fact, some say the flavours meld even better overnight!

My caramel sauce seized up! What did I do wrong? How can I rescue it?

Caramel can be a bit temperamental. Seizing usually happens when sugar crystals form, often caused by stirring after the sugar has dissolved. A squeeze of lemon juice or a tablespoon of corn syrup at the beginning can help prevent this.

If it seizes, add a tablespoon of water and gently heat, stirring constantly, until it smooths out. But honestly, sometimes you just have to bin it and start again we’ve all been there!

What are some variations I can try with this sticky toffee pudding recipe? Are there any good winter desserts substitutes?

Loads! For a festive twist, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger to the pudding batter. You could also stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture. And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, try adding a shot of espresso to the toffee sauce for a coffee infused kick!

How should I store leftover sticky toffee pudding?

Leftover Sticky Toffee Pudding is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.

The toffee sauce will thicken in the fridge, so you might want to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to loosen it up.

Is this sticky toffee pudding recipe healthy? I need to count my calories after all those holiday winter desserts!

Let's be honest, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a treat, not a health food! It's rich in sugar, butter, and calories. You can reduce the calorie count slightly by using a lighter cream or reducing the amount of sugar in the sauce, but it's best enjoyed in moderation.

Consider it a special indulgence for those cold winter evenings! You can always have a small slice and pair it with some fresh fruit to balance things out.