Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, especially around the holiday season. This classic British treat features a soft, moist date cake that’s soaked in a rich, buttery toffee sauce, making every bite irresistibly gooey and sweet.
It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you up in warmth and feels perfect for festive gatherings. The flavors are deep and satisfying, with the dark sweetness of dates and the buttery caramel sauce creating a truly memorable experience.
What makes this Christmas Sticky Toffee Pudding so special is its cozy, nostalgic flavor, which pairs beautifully with a bit of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. For the ultimate festive touch, serve it with a glass of mulled wine—the warm spices complement the richness of the pudding perfectly.
This dessert can be baked ahead of time and gently reheated, so it’s a great option for stress-free entertaining. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing with hints of toffee and spice wafting through the air!
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is it. With its rich, caramel flavor and perfectly moist texture, it’s guaranteed to become a holiday favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Soft, Buttery Texture: The pudding is melt-in-your-mouth soft, thanks to the dates, which add both natural sweetness and moisture.
- Unbeatable Toffee Sauce: Warm, buttery toffee sauce soaks into the cake, creating a gooey, caramel-like experience in every bite.
- Holiday Vibes: This dessert just feels like Christmas! It’s a treat everyone looks forward to, and the flavors and aromas make it extra festive.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day in advance, so you’re ready to serve up this warm, gooey dessert without any hassle.
This Sticky Toffee Pudding is the dessert I turn to when I want to end a holiday meal on a high note. I’d love to hear if it becomes one of your family’s favorites too! Enjoy every gooey, toffee-laden bite.
Christmas Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Small bowl (for soaking dates)
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve (for sifting dry ingredients)
- 1-liter pudding basin (or similar baking dish)
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Sharp knife (to release pudding)
- Cooling rack
- Medium saucepan (for toffee sauce)
- Whisk (for sauce
Ingredients
- For the Pudding:
- 100 g butter softened
- 175 g light brown sugar
- 1 large egg or 2 small eggs
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 100 g Medjool dates
- 100 g brandy-soaked mixed dried fruit
- 1 tablespoon black treacle
- For the Toffee Sauce:
- 300 ml double cream heavy cream
- 100 g butter
- 1 tablespoon black treacle
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 125 g light brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease a 1-liter pudding basin with butter and dust with flour.
Soak the Dates:
- Place the dates in a small bowl, pour over 200 ml of warm water, and let them soak for 10 minutes. After soaking, roughly chop the dates along with their soaking liquid.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together with a hand mixer until creamy and light.
- Add the egg and beat well until fully incorporated.
- Sift in the self-raising flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and mixed spice, then mix until smooth.
- Fold in the soaked dates (with liquid) and brandy-soaked mixed dried fruits. Mix until well combined.
Bake the Pudding:
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared pudding basin, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the pudding cool in the basin for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and turn it out onto a cooling rack.
Make the Toffee Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and light brown sugar over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the double cream, vanilla extract, and black treacle, stirring well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
Serve:
- Pour a portion of the toffee sauce over the pudding while warm, reserving the rest to serve alongside each portion.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 642 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 79 g |
| Sugar | 55 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fibre | 3 g |
Tips to Be Mindful Of!
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: With simple ingredients, quality makes a difference. Choose good butter, Medjool dates for their sweetness, and quality brandy for soaking the dried fruit to get the fullest flavors in the pudding.
- Soaking the Fruit: Soak the mixed dried fruits in brandy for several hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully infuse. This step adds a depth of flavor that elevates the pudding’s richness.
- Prepare the Pudding Basin Well: Grease the pudding basin with butter and dust it with flour to help the pudding release easily once baked. This extra step helps the pudding come out cleanly, maintaining its shape.
- Adjust Consistency with Soaking Liquid: When mixing the batter, pay attention to its consistency after adding the dates and soaking liquid. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour to balance it, as different types of dates may retain varying amounts of liquid.
- Slowly Cook the Toffee Sauce: When making the toffee sauce, let the mixture simmer gently rather than rushing to a boil. This helps the sugar dissolve fully and enhances the flavor, resulting in a smoother, richer sauce.
- Resting Time: Allow the pudding to rest in the basin for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to unmold.
- Serving Suggestions: Pour a generous amount of toffee sauce over the warm pudding just before serving, and keep the extra sauce on the side. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, custard, or even vanilla ice cream for a festive touch.
Enjoy this indulgent Christmas dessert, perfect for cozy gatherings and special celebrations!