Name: Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted dates, chopped; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup boiling water; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert loved for its rich, moist texture and luscious toffee sauce. This easy cake version combines sweet dates with a buttery, spongy base, topped with a warm, irresistible toffee glaze. It’s perfect for cozy nights or special occasions.

A dark brown baked dessert in a black oval dish sits on a dark blue cloth over a wooden surface, with a smooth slightly shiny texture on top. One side of the dessert is scooped out, revealing a moist, crumbly inside that is richer and darker than the top layer. On top of the dessert near the scooped area are two white dollops of creamy whipped topping with small visible specks. A silver spoon rests inside the dish, next to the uncovered part, showing some of the dessert on it. To the top left, a small clear glass jar filled with thick brown sauce is placed on the wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates, chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For Toffee Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chopped dates with baking soda. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it sit for 20 minutes to soften.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the softened date mixture.
Step 5: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: While the cake bakes, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 7: When the cake is warm, poke holes all over the surface using a fork. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Step 8: Serve the sticky toffee pudding warm or at room temperature with the remaining toffee sauce drizzled over the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra moistness, allow the cake to sit with the toffee sauce overnight before serving.
Swap heavy cream in the sauce with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.

Storage

Store the sticky toffee pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm, then drizzle with additional toffee sauce before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a rich, dark brown cake with a moist texture, cut into two pieces, one resting on a wooden-handled fork. A thick, smooth caramel sauce is being poured from above onto the cake, covering the top and flowing down the sides. On the left side inside the bowl, there is a fluffy, white dollop of whipped cream. The background features a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the warm colors of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance. Store it covered with toffee sauce to keep it moist, and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze sticky toffee pudding?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with toffee sauce.