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Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

4.8 from 132 reviews

This Best Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake is a classic British dessert featuring a moist, date-studded cake soaked in a rich, homemade toffee sauce. With its sweet, sticky texture and deep caramel flavor, it’s a comforting and indulgent treat ideal for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a luscious dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake 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

Toffee Sauce

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dates: In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates with baking soda. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it sit for 20 minutes to soften the dates.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
  4. Make Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the softened date mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Bake Cake: Grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Pour the prepared batter into the dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Make Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  7. Finish with Toffee Sauce: While the cake is still warm, poke holes across the surface with a fork. Pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes for maximum moisture and flavor.
  8. Serve: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the remaining toffee sauce on top for a rich, sticky finish.

Notes

  • Soaking the dates in boiling water and baking soda softens them, enhancing the cake’s moist texture.
  • The toffee sauce is best served warm to penetrate the cake and provide extra gooeyness.
  • Use an 8-inch square baking dish for optimal thickness and even baking.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
  • You can warm leftover cake fragments in the microwave and drizzle with extra toffee sauce for a quick treat.

Keywords: Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, British dessert, toffee sauce, moist cake, date cake, comfort food, holiday dessert