Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sticky toffee pudding is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a reliable crowd-pleaser. The soft, spongy cake pairs beautifully with the sweet and rich caramel sauce, providing a wonderfully balanced flavor experience. Its comforting nature makes it suitable for everyday enjoyment, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive family meal. With its practical ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a go-to option whenever you crave something indulgent.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish
• Saucepan
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (sweetness)
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature (richness and moisture)
• 1 cup molasses (depth of flavor)
• 1 large egg (binding agent)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (structure and texture)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (leavening agent)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (warmth and flavor)
• 1 tsp ground ginger (spicy warmth)
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (aromatic flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt (enhances sweetness)
• 1 cup very hot water (moisture)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce, sweetness)
• 1/2 cup butter (for caramel sauce, richness)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (creamy texture)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (flavor depth)
• Fresh whipped cream (for serving, lightness)

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding

Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter. A well-greased dish ensures that the pudding can be easily removed once it’s baked. The right temperature is crucial for achieving a perfect rise in your pudding.

Step 2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and room-temperature butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This generally takes a few minutes, and you should see a noticeable change in texture. The air incorporated during this process gives your pudding a nice rise.

Step 3. Next, add the molasses to the creamed butter and sugar, combining thoroughly. The molasses will contribute both moisture and a rich flavor to your pudding. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth before moving to the next step.

Step 4. Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated. The egg serves as a binding agent in the mixture and helps provide structure to the pudding. You should see the mixture thicken slightly as you stir.

Step 5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. This mix of dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the pudding, enhancing its flavor profile.

Step 6. Gradually add the dry mixture to the molasses mixture, alternating with the very hot water. Start and finish with the dry ingredients to prevent lumps. Mix gently until just combined. The hot water helps activate the baking powder, so be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 7. Once the batter is smooth, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure it’s level to ensure uniform cooking. The batter will rise and expand while baking, so give it some space in the dish.

Step 8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end; oven temperatures can vary. This step is vital for achieving a perfectly cooked pudding.

Step 9. While the pudding is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the granulated sugar and butter over medium heat. Allow it to cook until it turns a golden color. Be mindful not to burn the sugar, as it can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt.

Step 10. Once the mixture has turned golden, remove it from heat and carefully stir in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. Stir until smooth, and set the sauce aside to cool slightly. This sauce will bring your pudding to another level of deliciousness.

Step 11. Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This rest time helps it set a bit but isn’t so long that it loses heat. Freshly baked pudding is at its best when served warm.

Step 12. Cut the pudding into squares and serve warm, drizzling the caramel sauce generously over each piece. You can pair it with fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of this sticky toffee pudding.

Serving Suggestions

Sticky toffee pudding shines as a warm dessert, perfect for colder evenings or special family dinners. It can be enjoyed as a comforting treat after a hearty meal or as a late-night snack. Additionally, it’s excellent for breakfast paired with a cup of coffee or tea. If you have leftovers, it can easily be reheated, making it a practical option for sweet cravings throughout the week. You might also consider serving it at gatherings for an impressive yet uncomplicated dessert.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming for the best texture.
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking; this will help your pudding stay moist.
• For a richer flavor, allow the caramel sauce to cool before serving to enhance its sweetness.
• Keep an eye on the caramel while making it, as it can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
• Use fresh whipped cream to balance the richness of the pudding.
• If you like deeper flavors, try adding a touch more ground spices to the batter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not creaming butter and sugar enough: If you don’t beat the mixture long enough, your pudding can turn out dense instead of light and fluffy. Aim for a pale, fluffy consistency before adding other ingredients.
2. Overmixing the batter: Mixing too vigorously after adding flour can develop gluten, making your pudding chewy rather than tender. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
3. Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can lead to an undesired texture or flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy every time.
4. Underbaking or overbaking the pudding: If you open the oven door too soon, heat can escape, leading to uneven baking. Wait until the minimum baking time is reached to check for doneness.
5. Skipping the hot water: Omitting hot water from the batter will result in a drier pudding. It’s essential for creating the pudding’s moist texture, so don’t skip it.
6. Not allowing the pudding to cool slightly before serving: Serving it immediately can make the pudding fall apart. Give it a few minutes to firm up, which will make for cleaner, more appealing slices.

Variations & Substitutions

For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chopped dates or nuts to the batter for added texture. You might also experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or orange, to introduce new layers of flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, try making a butterscotch sauce instead of the traditional caramel for a change of pace.

Storage & Reheating

Sticky toffee pudding can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will last up to a week. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, gently microwave it until warmed through, or place it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, covering it with foil to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this sticky toffee pudding can be made in advance. Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. You can reheat it gently in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.

How long does it last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, the pudding will last for about a week in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it before serving for the best experience.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely! Sticky toffee pudding freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months.

What can I substitute for one ingredient?

While it’s best to stick to the ingredients listed for the best result, if you’re out of molasses, dark corn syrup can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?

Common issues can arise from incorrect measurements, not checking the bake time, or neglecting to mix ingredients properly. Ensuring you’re precise and attentive will help you achieve the desired result.

Final Thoughts

Making sticky toffee pudding can be a delightful experience as it fills your kitchen with warmth and rich aromas. Sharing the finished product with family or friends enhances the joy of this classic dessert. Regardless of the occasion or whether you indulge on your own or with others, this recipe promises satisfaction and comfort. Enjoy each bite, knowing you’ve created a special treat from the heart.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A classic British dessert, this warm, moist sponge cake is infused with rich molasses and topped with a luscious caramel sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine British

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pudding Base

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature Provides richness and moisture
• 1 cup molasses Depth of flavor
• 1 large egg Binding agent
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Structure and texture
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder Leavening agent
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon Warmth and flavor
• 1 tsp ground ginger Spicy warmth
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves Aromatic flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt Enhances sweetness
• 1 cup very hot water Provides moisture

Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness in sauce
• 1/2 cup butter Richness in sauce
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream Creamy texture
• 2 tsp vanilla extract Enhances flavor depth

Serving

• to taste Fresh whipped cream For serving, adds lightness

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
• Add the molasses and mix until combined.
• Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the molasses mixture, alternating with hot water, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Baking

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Caramel Sauce Preparation

• Melt sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden.
• Carefully stir in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth. Set aside.

Serving

• Let the pudding cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
• Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled over the top, and add fresh whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter, allow the pudding to rest before serving, and keep an eye on the caramel while making it.

Keyword Baking, British Desserts, Caramel Sauce, Comfort Food, Sticky Toffee Pudding