Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsReserveSticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Inspired by Reserve
Time1h
Serves6

Date, Caramel, Gelato

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pudding

Method

Pudding

  1. 1

    Prepare dates

    Place chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over them, stir in 1 tsp baking soda (mixture will foam). Let sit 10 minutes to soften, then mash lightly with a fork or use an immersion blender for a smoother paste. Set aside to cool slightly.

  2. 2

    Preheat and prepare pan

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan (or 6–8 individual ramekins) and line with parchment if desired for easy removal.

  3. 3

    Cream butter and sugars

    In a large bowl, cream 6 tbs softened unsalted butter with 3 tbs light brown sugar and 1 tbs granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down sides.

  4. 4

    Add eggs and vanilla

    Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

  5. 5

    Combine wet and dry

    Fold the cooled date mixture into the butter-sugar-egg mixture until evenly distributed. In a separate bowl whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp fine sea salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — do not overmix.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes (for an 8-inch pan) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (the pudding should be set but still tender). For individual ramekins, bake 18–22 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.

Sticky Toffee Sauce

  1. 7

    Make the sauce

    While the pudding bakes, combine 1 cup packed light brown sugar and 4 tbs unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then add 3 tbs heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring, and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Keep warm.

  2. 8

    Finish pudding with sauce

    If you like a very sticky finish, pierce the warm baked pudding several times with a skewer and spoon half the warm sauce over the top to soak in. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.

To Serve

  1. 9

    Scoop warm pudding into bowls or slice squares from the pan. Top each portion with a scoop of coffee or toffee (or vanilla) gelato. Pour additional warm sticky toffee sauce over the pudding and ice cream. Sprinkle with 2 tbs chopped toasted pecans or walnuts if using. Serve immediately while warm.

More from Reserve