Dessert

Deliciously Decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe

Name: Deliciously Decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
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

Byluca Carter February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

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Introduction

Delight in the rich flavors of this Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, a beloved British dessert featuring soft dates and a luscious toffee sauce. This moist and gooey treat is perfect for any occasion, promising a comforting end to your meal.

A square baked dessert sits in a gray baking dish with handles on both sides. The dessert has one thick golden-brown layer with a slightly crisp edge and a soft, moist center. On top, there is a glossy, dripping caramel sauce with round raisins scattered throughout, adding texture and shine. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a gold fork and black and white striped cloth nearby. 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

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, mix the chopped dates with baking soda, then pour boiling water over them. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes to soften the dates.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the softened date mixture gently.
Step 5: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: To make the toffee sauce, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: While the cake is still warm, poke holes throughout with a fork. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Step 8: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the remaining toffee sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Substitute pitted dates with chopped prunes or figs to vary the flavor while keeping the moist texture.
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup in the toffee sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy the toffee sauce warm.

How to Serve

A single-layer sticky pudding cake in a square gray metal baking dish with a browned, slightly crisp top layer covered with a thick, shiny caramel sauce that has whole nuts sprinkled throughout; the cake texture appears moist and dense with a golden-brown color. The edge of the baking dish shows the cake's darker browned crust. Nearby, a silver fork rests on a white marbled surface next to a striped cloth and a white cup with brown liquid inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake vegan?

You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs, and use a plant-based cream for the sauce to make a vegan version, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I prepare the cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge without the toffee sauce for up to 2 days. Warm the cake and prepare the sauce fresh before serving for the best taste.