Sticky Toffee Pudding

The first time I had sticky toffee pudding was at a tea room in Chattanooga, TN. I had just finished a lovely meal with my friend, Star, at the English Rose downtown and the server recommended it from the menu. I ordered one to share with my daughter, a decision that I regretted almost immediately. One bite in and I was in gastronomical heaven. Wow! the cake was rich, moist, sweet, gooey, delicious. Two bites in and I almost had to fight my daughter to get another bite. So, so good! At that moment, Sticky Toffee Pudding became my number one and most favorite dessert of all time.

As soon as I got home I researched the internet to find the best recipe. Some of the recipes I found were good, but none as delicious as the one I had at the tea room. I had to play around with different recipes until I got the right cake consistency and flavor. I think it took about 3 or 4 times but with every try, the texture and taste improved. I have to warn you though, this cake is highly addictive. I usually make individual cakes because they make a beautiful presentation when served, and also stay moister that way. I can’t say enough great things about this cake. So, If you are ready to have your life changed forever, then keep on reading…

Sticky Toffee Pudding

1 1/2 cups of dates, seedless

1/2 cup, hot boiling water

1 1/2 cups, self rising flour

1 tsp, baking soda, divided

1 tsp, baking powder

2/3 cup, dark brown sugar

6 tbsp, unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp, vanilla extract

Directions:

 In a bowl, add dates and pour boiling water over them. Add half of the the baking soda (1/2 tsp) and stir to combine. Allow that to sit for about 10 minutes until the dates have soften. While dates are getting soft, preheat the oven to 350º and grease a cupcake/muffin baking tray and set aside. Once dates are soft, use a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking soda (the remaining 1/2 tsp), and baking powder. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale in color. Add the eggs, one at a time until well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix together to combine. Add the date mixture, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix again until smooth. Using a spatula, gently fold in the flour mixture until all has been incorporated. Be careful not to over mix. The batter should be smooth and thick. Pour into the prepared muffin tin and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 15-20 minutes, give or take. Allow the cakes to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before turning them over onto a baking tray or any container with tall sides. Poke holes all over the cakes and pour the toffee sauce. Let them sit in the sauce and reserve some as well for garnish. These cakes last well over a week in the fridge. They also are great make ahead desserts for any tea or dinner party. Serve them warm with custard or vanilla ice cream, and you are in for an adventure! As my daughter would say, “It’s a party in my mouth!” Ha!

Toffee Sauce

1 3/4 cups, dark brown sugar

2 sticks, butter

1/2 cup, heavy cream (or 1/4 milk and 1/4 cream or half and half, which is what I normally use)

a pinch of salt

In a saucepan, on medium heat, combine all the ingredients together and stir. Once all the sugar has melted, allow the sauce to come to a boil and immediately remove from the heat. Pour over the cakes and save some for garnish. This sauce will hold in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

I hope you give this recipe a try. It truly is the best dessert I have ever had. Seriously, nothing beats this pudding…nothing. Oh! guess what’s even better? This is wonderful with a nice cuppa tea. Can life be any better? I think not! Go! Get baking, now!

Enjoy!

~Ana

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