Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream: A Classic British Dessert Made Irresistible

Introduction
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream is a timeless dessert that combines warmth, richness, and comfort in every spoonful. This traditional British favorite features a moist date sponge soaked in a glossy toffee sauce, served warm with cold, creamy ice cream for contrast. The balance between deep caramel notes and light vanilla freshness is what makes this dessert unforgettable. I have prepared this pudding for both formal dinners and quiet family evenings, and it never fails to impress. Despite its elegant reputation, it is surprisingly straightforward to make and relies on simple pantry ingredients brought together with care and precision.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers a soft, tender sponge, a luxurious toffee sauce, and a perfect hot-and-cold contrast. It is comforting, indulgent, and suitable for both special occasions and everyday desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dates
Dates are the foundation of sticky toffee pudding, providing natural sweetness and moisture. When softened in hot liquid, they break down into the batter and create the signature tender crumb.

Baking Soda
Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the dates, helping to soften them further and ensuring a light, fluffy sponge texture.

Boiling Water
Hot water is used to soak the dates, allowing them to release their sweetness and blend smoothly into the batter.

Unsalted Butter
Butter adds richness to both the sponge and the toffee sauce. Using unsalted butter allows better control over the final flavor balance.

Brown Sugar
Brown sugar contributes deep caramel notes and moisture. It is essential for achieving the classic toffee flavor.

Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure while keeping the pudding soft and tender.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors without overpowering the toffee notes.

All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure to the sponge while allowing it to remain soft and moist.

Baking Powder
Baking powder ensures the pudding rises evenly, preventing a dense or heavy texture.

Heavy Cream
Cream is the backbone of the toffee sauce, giving it a silky, luxurious consistency.

Vanilla Ice Cream
Vanilla ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm pudding and rich sauce.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish. Place the chopped dates in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour over boiling water. Set aside for 10 minutes to soften.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the flour and baking powder, then stir in the softened date mixture until fully combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

To make the toffee sauce, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then add the cream and simmer gently until thickened. Pour the warm sauce over the baked pudding and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful result

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, baking time is 35 minutes, and total time is about 55 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Leftover pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Store ice cream separately and add just before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Sticky Toffee Pudding is highly adaptable. For added texture, finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter. If you prefer a deeper flavor, replace some of the brown sugar with dark muscovado sugar. I have also tested this recipe with dairy-free butter and coconut cream, and the results were excellent, with a slightly tropical undertone.

For individual servings, bake the batter in ramekins and reduce the baking time slightly. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for subtle warmth. While vanilla ice cream is traditional, salted caramel or coffee ice cream pairs beautifully with the toffee sauce for a more decadent presentation.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	62 g
Fat	24 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	42 g
Sodium	310 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Soak the dates thoroughly to ensure a smooth batter.
Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Do not overbake, as the pudding should remain moist.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I make sticky toffee pudding in advance?

Yes, the pudding can be baked ahead and reheated before serving.

What type of dates work best?

Medjool dates are ideal due to their softness and rich flavor.

Can I freeze sticky toffee pudding?

The sponge freezes well, but the sauce is best made fresh.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It is rich but balanced by the ice cream and warm sponge.

Can I use store-bought toffee sauce?

Homemade sauce is recommended, but store-bought can be used in a pinch.

What can I serve instead of ice cream?

Custard or lightly whipped cream are excellent alternatives.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream is a dessert that embodies comfort and indulgence. With its moist sponge, rich toffee sauce, and cooling ice cream, it delivers a perfectly balanced finale to any meal and remains a beloved classic for good reason.

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