Pin It A cozy, rustic dessert with a deep caramel flavor, luscious dates, and a rich toffee sauce — perfect for fireside gatherings or indulgent cabin weekends.
This pudding reminded me of cozy weekends at the cabin where the warmth of the fireside matched the sweetness of the dessert perfectly.
Ingredients
- For the Pudding: 225 g (1 1/2 cups) pitted Medjool dates, chopped, 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water, 1 tsp baking soda, 85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter softened, 175 g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) dark brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 200 g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- For the Sticky Toffee Sauce: 200 g (1 cup) dark brown sugar, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, 1 tbsp black treacle or molasses (optional for depth), Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a 23 cm (9-inch) square or round baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour over boiling water and sprinkle with baking soda. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Step 4:
- Mash the softened dates (with liquid) lightly with a fork, then fold into the batter.
- Step 5:
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Step 6:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- While the pudding bakes, make the sauce Combine brown sugar, cream, butter, treacle (if using), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 7 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Once the pudding is done, poke holes all over the surface with a skewer. Pour about half of the hot toffee sauce over the pudding. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm, cut into squares, with extra toffee sauce drizzled over each portion. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Pin It This recipe pairs beautifully with strong black tea or a glass of tawny port which made family gatherings all the more special.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or sturdy whisk, 23 cm (9-inch) baking dish, Saucepan, Wooden spoon or silicon spatula, Skewer or toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (wheat flour), Eggs, Dairy (butter, cream). May contain traces of nuts if substituting or as processed. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 470, Total Fat 21 g, Carbohydrates 67 g, Protein 4 g per serving
Pin It 
This pudding is perfect for cozy weekend treats and sure to please everyone at your next gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the dessert its deep caramel flavor?
The rich caramel taste comes from the combination of dark brown sugar, butter, and optional black treacle simmered into the toffee sauce, complementing the natural sweetness of the dates.
- → How do the dates affect the texture?
Soaked Medjool dates soften and add moisture and natural sweetness, resulting in a tender and luscious pudding texture.
- → Can I add nuts to this dish?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded in or sprinkled on top for added crunch and depth.
- → What is the purpose of the skewer holes after baking?
Creating holes allows the warm toffee sauce to soak deeply into the pudding, enhancing moistness and flavor throughout.
- → What serving suggestions enhance the dish?
Serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream adds creaminess that balances the rich toffee, while pairing with strong black tea or tawny port offers complementary contrast.
- → How long does preparation and cooking take?
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, with baking time of 35-40 minutes, making the total roughly 1 hour and 5 minutes.