Indulge in the warm richness of a timeless dessert with this ultimate sticky date pudding recipe. Soft spongy and packed with the natural sweetness of dates this pudding is perfect for cozy evenings or to impress guests at dinner. Topped with a decadent caramel sauce and served warm this dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous spoonful of double cream.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 1 large pudding (can be cut into wedges)
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients for Sticky Date Pudding
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1½ cups boiling water
- 125g butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 250g Medjool dates pitted and chopped
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 300ml thickened cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 60g butter
Method to Prepare Sticky Date Pudding
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C. Grease a deep 7 cm cake tin (22 cm base) and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl combine chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over them and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes allowing the dates to soften and infuse.
- In a large bowl use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter brown sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
- Gently fold in the soaked date mixture followed by the sifted flour using a metal spoon. Stir until the batter is just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before turning out onto a serving plate.
- To make the caramel sauce combine brown sugar thickened cream vanilla extract and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches a boil. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for another 2 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Pierce the surface of the warm pudding with a skewer and pour half a cup of the warm caramel sauce over it. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Slice the pudding into wedges and serve with the remaining warm caramel sauce.
This sticky date pudding recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of sweetness and texture that makes it a must-try for dessert lovers. Whether for a festive gathering or an indulgent night in this dessert brings joy to every spoonful.
