Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Sticky toffee pudding might just be the best dessert to ever come out of a British kitchen. It’s warm, sweet, and drenched in buttery toffee sauce.

The first time I tried it, I was visiting a friend who had lived in England for a few years. One bite and I understood why people fall head over heels for this dessert. It’s soft, sticky, and the sauce alone is enough to make you want to lick the plate.

Even though it sounds fancy, sticky toffee pudding is actually very doable at home. Made with dates (don’t worry, they melt right into the batter), brown sugar, and a rich sauce, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups chopped dates (Medjool or Deglet Noor work well)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but cozy)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional garnish: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra sauce.

Prep the Dates

Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. The dates will soften and break down, giving the pudding its signature texture.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the softened date mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick and rich.

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar pan. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Toffee Sauce

While the cake bakes, combine the cream, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Soak the Cake

When the cake comes out of the oven, poke it all over with a toothpick or skewer. Pour about half of the warm toffee sauce over the cake so it soaks in. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve

Slice the pudding into squares or spoon it out warm. Drizzle with more sauce and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky toffee pudding has everything you want in a dessert: a moist, tender cake, a sauce that’s buttery and rich, and just enough sweetness to feel indulgent without being cloying. It’s also incredibly satisfying to serve — people’s eyes light up when they see that glossy sauce poured over the cake.

It’s a dessert that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight treat. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a classic.

Make It Yours

There are lots of little ways to customize sticky toffee pudding. If you want a stronger flavor, add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the sauce. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before serving. You can also make individual puddings by baking the batter in muffin tins — just reduce the bake time to about 18–20 minutes.

And if you’re not a raisin or date fan? Don’t worry — the dates in this recipe melt right into the batter, so you get the flavor and texture without big chunks.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a little extra sauce to keep it moist. Sticky toffee pudding also freezes well — just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

A Dessert That Feels Like a Hug

Sticky toffee pudding is one of those desserts that checks every box — it’s cozy, rich, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday gathering or serving it on a quiet night at home, it’s a recipe that always delivers. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s beloved on both sides of the Atlantic.