Imagine a warm, tender cake infused with rich, caramelized dates, drenched in a luscious, buttery toffee sauce. Every bite is pure comfort—moist, sticky, and utterly irresistible. Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy evenings, special occasions, or just treating yourself to something decadently delicious.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!

Why You’ll Love Sticky Date Pudding

This dessert isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, enjoying it with family, or sneaking a spoonful straight from the dish, here’s why it’s a favorite:

Moist & Flavorful: The dates melt into the batter, creating an incredibly soft, rich texture.
Warm & Comforting: The combination of warm pudding and silky toffee sauce is pure magic.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and foolproof steps make this a no-stress dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you need a show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients in Sticky Date Pudding

Here’s what makes this dessert truly special:

Dates: The heart of this pudding, adding natural sweetness and a caramel-like depth.
Baking Soda: Softens the dates and enhances their flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel notes and adds moisture.
Eggs: Binds everything together for a light yet sticky texture.
Flour & Baking Powder: The perfect base for structure and fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warm, sweet flavors.

Toffee Sauce

Butter & Brown Sugar: The foundation of a deep, buttery caramel sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: A final touch for extra warmth and depth.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this rich and indulgent dessert:

Soften the Dates: In a saucepan, combine chopped dates and water. Bring to a simmer, then stir in baking soda. Let it cool while the dates soften.

Mix the Batter: In a bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the cooled date mixture.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble into a rich, golden sauce.

Serve & Enjoy: Drizzle warm toffee sauce over the pudding, and enjoy every sticky, sweet bite!

How to Serve Sticky Date Pudding

This dessert is incredible on its own, but here are a few ways to take it to the next level:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast of warm pudding and cold ice cream is unbeatable.
A Dollop of Whipped Cream: Light, airy, and the perfect balance to the rich sauce.
Sprinkled with Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch.
With a Side of Espresso: A strong coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: The pudding and sauce can be made a day in advance—just reheat before serving.
For Extra Moisture: Poke small holes in the pudding and drizzle some toffee sauce over before serving.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze It: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! Prepare the pudding and sauce in advance and reheat when needed.

Q2: Can I use different sweeteners?
A2: Brown sugar works best, but coconut sugar can be a good alternative.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze sticky date pudding?
A4: Yes! Wrap portions individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Q7: How can I make this dairy-free?
A7: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Q8: Can I serve this without the sauce?
A8: You can, but the toffee sauce takes it to the next level!

Q9: What’s the difference between sticky toffee pudding and sticky date pudding?
A9: They’re essentially the same—both use dates for natural sweetness!

Q10: Can I add extra flavors to the pudding?
A10: Yes! Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce, this is your sign! It’s the perfect dessert for when you want something warm, rich, and truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this pudding will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this rich and comforting Sticky Date Pudding, soaked in a luscious homemade toffee caramel sauce. The moist date cake pairs perfectly with the warm, buttery sauce—ideal for special occasions or a cozy dessert night!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Date Cake Batter

In a saucepan, combine chopped dates and water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 2 minutes.
Turn off the heat and stir in baking soda. The mixture will foam—this helps soften the dates. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add flour and salt in two batches, followed by the warm date mixture in two batches.
Once combined, mix in baking powder. The batter is now ready.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or 6-8 small individual cake molds.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan or molds.
Bake for 30-35 minutes (for a large pan) or 20-25 minutes (for small molds), until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the Toffee Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, and vanilla extract.
Heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the cake is baked, poke holes into it and pour ¾ of the toffee sauce over the top while warm. Let it soak in.
Reserve ¼ of the sauce for serving.
If using individual molds, remove the cakes and serve with extra sauce and a scoop of ice cream.
If using a large pan, scoop portions into serving bowls, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with ice cream.

Notes

For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar.
The cake can be made a day ahead and warmed before serving.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg