During the festive season in the United Kingdom, Christmas baking takes center stage, filling homes with the delightful aromas of rich spices and sweet treats. One beloved classic that captures the essence of a cozy holiday gathering is Sticky Toffee Pudding. This decadent dessert is a perfect blend of moist sponge cake drenched in a luscious toffee sauce, creating a heavenly combination of flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a warm and indulgent dessert, this recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding is sure to become a holiday favorite in your home.
**Sticky Toffee Pudding**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– For the toffee sauce:
– 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften the dates.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the date mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pudding is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt.
11. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
12. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
13. Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and poke holes in the top using a skewer or fork.
14. Pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to seep into the holes.
15. Serve the Sticky Toffee Pudding warm, drizzled with extra toffee sauce and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a delightful treat that captures the essence of Christmas baking in the UK. The combination of moist cake and rich toffee sauce is a match made in dessert heaven, sure to warm hearts and fill bellies with joy. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent dessert this holiday season and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!
