This Comforting Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe Goes From Oven (or Air Fryer) to Table in Just 20 Minutes

If you love gooey and comforting desserts, sticky toffee pudding will likely become your new favorite treat. It’s a moist sponge cake that’s filled with chopped dates and drizzled with caramel sauce. Rich, sweet and buttery are a few words to describe dessert, which is popular in British cuisine. But, you’ll only know if you make it yourself! Luckily, it’s simple thanks to a recipe that yields one large pudding or individual-sized portions to enjoy with a loved one. (Not a fan of dates? Don’t worry, there’s a dried fruit swap you can use instead!) Here’s how to whip up sticky toffee pudding in less than 30 minutes.

Is sticky toffee pudding actually pudding?

You may be confused by this dessert’s name since in the U.S. pudding is known for being a thick custard. That’s because in the U.K., pudding refers to a variety of desserts—especially ones that are rustic and comforting. (If you ask me, the caramel sauce on top of the cake somewhat mimics the saucy consistency of custard pudding so it’s not too far off.) Still, sticky toffee pudding is a warm and decadent dessert that’s even better with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top.

What can I use instead of dates in sticky toffee pudding?

Medjool dates provide this cake with added sweetness and a chewy texture. However, if you don’t love dates, regular raisins or golden raisins are great to use instead. Raisins also don’t need to be chopped before they’re folded into the batter. So, you’ll save yourself that step if you swap them in. Substitute the same amount of raisins for dates and proceed with preparing your desired recipe. 

How to make sticky toffee pudding

This sticky toffee pudding recipe comes from the TikTok account @dfdeats. Whether you make one whole dish or single-serve portions, this recipe yields enough pudding for about two servings. Feel free to increase the measurements to accommodate more people. This dessert can also be prepared in your air fryer (Click through for more air fryer sweet treats, such as air fryer churros and air fryer grapes.)

Sticky Toffee Pudding

@dfdeats

Ad| Single serve sticky toffee pudding is up there with one of my favourite single serve recipe we’ve made this far. Give it a try, I’m sure you’re going to love it too! – Recipe – Portion size: 2 small puddings or 1 large The salted maple caramel 2 tbsp unsalted butter ¼ cup maple syrup 3 tbsp dark brown sugar ½ cup cream ⅛ tsp Vanilla bourbon (@KoRo UK and Ireland 🇬🇧🇮🇪 ) Pinch Salt ‼️Full list of ingredients on instagram linked in bio ‼️ Use code ‘DUBLINFOOD’ for 5% off your next KoRo purchase And Serve with whipping cream or ice cream and ENJOY! #singleserve #stickytoffeepudding #stickytoffeepuddings #datecake #cake #baking #easydessert

♬ original sound – Amirah & Jj

Ingredients:

Sticky toffee pudding:

• 3 to 4 Medjool dates (40 to 50 grams)
• ¼ cup boiling water
• ¼ tsp. baking soda
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 to 2 Tbs. brown sugar
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ egg, beaten
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp. baking powder
• ⅛ tsp. salt
• Nonstick spray, for greasing ramekins or baking dish
• Optional accompaniment: Ice cream or whipped cream

Salted caramel sauce:

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• ¼ cup maple sugar
• 3 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅛ tsp. vanilla bourbon 
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

• Yield: 2 single-serve puddings (or 1 large pudding)

Sticky Toffee Pudding:

1. Preheat oven or air fryer to 350°F.
2. Place chopped dates in bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow dates to sit a few minutes until dates. Once dates are softened, combine them with butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Pour in half of egg and combine date mixture well.
3. In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet date mixture. Stir until just combined.
4. Grease 2 small ramekins or one small baking dish. Pour batter into prepared dish(s).
5. Bake in preheated oven or air fryer approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until pudding is set and golden brown. Cool slightly while preparing caramel sauce.

Salted Caramel Sauce:

1. Place butter, maple syrup, dark brown sugar, cream, vanilla bourbon and salt in small bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stir between each one. Once mixture is smooth, remove from microwave. 
2. Poke holes in pudding using fork, then pour half caramel on hot baked pudding.
3. Allow pudding to cool a few minutes. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over top. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy!