Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert featuring a moist, tender sponge cake made with prunes, drenched in a rich, luscious caramel toffee sauce. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or a cozy treat on a cold day. This version of the popular pudding can be made in individual ramekins or a single baking dish, and it’s always served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Each bite is pure indulgence!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the pudding:

• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ⅓ cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (or Turbinado sugar)

• ⅓ cup plus 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup dried prunes, pitted and chopped

• ½ cup hot water

For the toffee sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup dark brown sugar

• Pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Coat 6, 4-ounce ramekins with nonstick cooking spray and place them on a baking tray.

2. Prepare the batter: In a food processor, combine butter, baking soda, salt, both sugars, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Pulse until just combined. Add prunes and water, then pulse until nearly smooth.

3. Bake the pudding: Spoon the batter into the ramekins, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 18 minutes, or until firm and springy to the touch. Allow to cool slightly.

4. Make the toffee sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and cream over medium-high heat. Whisk in brown sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Assemble the pudding: Slice the cakes horizontally. Drizzle with toffee sauce, then place the top back on. Broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbling.

6. Serve: Turn the cakes out onto plates, drizzle with more toffee sauce, and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Nutrients

• Calories: 670 kcal (per serving)

• Carbohydrates: 90g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 33g

  • Saturated Fat: 20g

• Cholesterol: 158mg

• Sodium: 333mg

• Potassium: 339mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 69g

• Vitamin A: 1400 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.3mg

• Calcium: 90mg

• Iron: 1.7mg

The Origins of Sticky Toffee Pudding

The history of Sticky Toffee Pudding is somewhat debated, but it is widely believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the mid-20th century, though some sources claim it dates back even earlier. The dessert is said to have been a creation of British chefs experimenting with sponge cakes and toffee sauce, but its exact origin remains unclear. The first known written recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding appeared in the 1960s, which likely helped propel its rise in popularity.

Sticky Toffee Pudding quickly became a classic British dessert, especially beloved in pubs and restaurants throughout the country. Its popularity has only grown, spreading to other parts of the world where it’s enjoyed by dessert lovers of all kinds. The combination of a moist sponge cake and indulgent toffee sauce has made this dessert a staple, perfect for those who crave something rich and satisfying.

Key Ingredients in Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a truly decadent dessert. The pudding itself consists of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and prunes, which add both sweetness and moisture to the cake. Prunes are an essential ingredient, providing depth and complexity to the flavor while keeping the sponge soft and tender. The addition of hot water helps to hydrate the prunes, allowing them to blend smoothly into the batter for a moist texture.

The toffee sauce is a crucial part of what makes this dessert so indulgent. Made with butter, heavy cream, dark brown sugar, and a pinch of sea salt, the sauce is rich and velvety, complementing the pudding perfectly. The sauce is poured over the cake, creating the signature “sticky” texture that makes this dessert so irresistible. This sauce is what truly elevates the dish, as it absorbs into the cake, infusing each bite with sweetness and richness.

The Preparation: Making the Pudding and Sauce

The preparation of Sticky Toffee Pudding involves two main components: the pudding batter and the toffee sauce.

To make the pudding, the butter, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla are combined in a food processor. The ingredients are pulsed until just combined, ensuring that the cake has a smooth texture without overworking the batter. Then, chopped prunes and hot water are added to the mixture, which is pulsed again until the prunes are nearly smooth, contributing a rich, fruity flavor to the batter.

Once the batter is ready, it is spooned into individual ramekins, filling each about two-thirds full. These ramekins are then placed in the oven to bake for around 18 minutes, until the cakes are firm and springy to the touch. The cakes will rise slightly as they bake, creating a soft, moist texture perfect for soaking up the toffee sauce later on.

While the pudding is baking, the toffee sauce is prepared. The butter and cream are melted together in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Brown sugar and a pinch of sea salt are whisked in, and the sauce is cooked until it thickens, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This creates a rich, caramel-like sauce that will soak into the hot sponge cakes, adding sweetness and moisture.

Assembling and Serving the Pudding

Once the cakes are baked and slightly cooled, the next step is to assemble the Sticky Toffee Pudding. Each cake is carefully sliced horizontally, and then a generous amount of toffee sauce is poured over the top. The top portion of the cake is placed back on, and the pudding is broiled for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize. This final step gives the pudding a beautiful, golden finish and intensifies the toffee flavor.

After broiling, the Sticky Toffee Pudding is ready to be served. The individual cakes are turned out onto plates, and additional toffee sauce is drizzled over the top. The pudding is traditionally served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a creamy contrast to the rich, sticky cake.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Sticky Toffee Pudding is typically served warm, making it an especially comforting dessert for colder months. The combination of the warm cake and the cool, creamy topping makes for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures. For a more festive presentation, the pudding can be garnished with a few sprigs of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar, though it is just as delicious served simply with cream or ice cream.

While the traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding is made with prunes, variations of the recipe can include other dried fruits like raisins or dates, which also pair well with the toffee sauce. For those who prefer a slightly less sweet version, the toffee sauce can be adjusted by reducing the sugar or adding a bit more sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

Nutritional Information

Sticky Toffee Pudding is certainly an indulgent treat, and its rich ingredients make it a high-calorie dessert. Each serving contains approximately 670 calories, with the majority of the calories coming from carbohydrates and fat. The sugars, both from the prunes and the toffee sauce, contribute to the sweetness of the pudding, while the butter and cream add richness and smoothness. With 33 grams of fat, including 20 grams of saturated fat, this is a dessert to enjoy in moderation. It also provides a modest amount of protein and fiber, thanks to the prunes and flour, though it is not a low-sugar or low-fat dessert.

The dessert does offer some vitamins and minerals, including a small amount of Vitamin A, calcium, and iron, as well as potassium. However, its high sugar and sodium content means it should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence.

Conclusion: A British Classic

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a dessert that exemplifies the joy of British comfort food—rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying. With its moist, flavorful sponge cake and luscious toffee sauce, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether for a special celebration or a quiet night in. The combination of prunes, sugars, and butter creates a cake that is both flavorful and sticky in the best possible way, while the toffee sauce adds an irresistible sweetness that melts into every bite.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a comforting treat, Sticky Toffee Pudding is sure to impress. This indulgent dessert continues to be a favorite in British kitchens and around the world, and once you try it, it’s easy to see why!