Ever crave a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening? I’ve been there—scouring the web for the perfect Thanksgiving Desserts that pack flavor without drama. Well, guess what? This Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe checks every box. It’s a top contender among Thanksgiving Treats and one of those Fun Thanksgiving Desserts that’ll have your guests talking (and licking their plates) long after the last drumstick is gone.
IMO, nothing beats a gooey date cake drenched in rich toffee sauce. I whipped this up last Thanksgiving when my oven decided to audition for a smoky campfire impression—no biggie, right? With zero judgment, you can still nail this pudding even if your kitchen feels like a three-alarm fire drill. FYI, this recipe ranks high on my list of Thanksgiving Baking Recipes, and it won’t stress you out like some soufflé might :).
If you’re hunting for easy Thanksgiving Desserts Easy or scouring for creative Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas, you just struck gold. This recipe merges classic British comfort with our all-American holiday spirit. Plus, it pairs beautifully with any of your favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes or even as the grand finale after those tortilla-wrapped Thanksgiving Appetizers. Ready to elevate your Thanksgiving Food Ideas and become the envy of every Food Network scroller? Let’s dive in—no clichés, just pure, sticky magic.
Table of Contents
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl. Pour boiling water over and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry mix into wet ingredients, alternating with the soaked date mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Pour the batter in and spread evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean around the edges.
- For the toffee sauce, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir in cream and vanilla, then simmer 3–4 minutes until glossy.
- Poke holes in warm pudding, then pour half the sauce on top. Serve with more sauce and ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients
- 1 cup (175 g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Toffee Sauce:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150 g) dark brown sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep Dates: Place chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl. Pour boiling water over them. Stir and let sit 10 minutes. I love how this softens the dates instantly!
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Crack in eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly, then stir in vanilla extract. Your batter should look silky smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures an even rise.
- Fold Batter: Gradually add dry mix into the butter mixture. Alternate with the date mixture (including liquid). Stop mixing once just combined—you don’t want gluten overload!
- Transfer to Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Pour the batter in and spread evenly.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean around the edges but still slightly moist in the center.
- Make Toffee Sauce: While pudding bakes, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cream and vanilla. Simmer 3–4 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Soak Pudding: Remove pudding from oven. Poke holes all over with a skewer and pour half the warm sauce on top—no holding back!
- Serve: Slice into squares, drizzle more toffee sauce, and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Boom, you just nailed one of the best Thanksgiving Desserts Recipes ever.
Variations
1. Spiced Apple Twist: Add 1 cup chopped apples and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the batter. This variation marries all the best Thanksgiving Food Recipes flavors—apple pie meets toffee pudding.
2. Chocolate Date Fusion: Stir in ¼ cup cocoa powder and ½ cup chocolate chips. Because why not double down on dessert decadence? It’s a certified hit among Fun Thanksgiving Desserts.
3. Pumpkin-Infused: Replace ½ cup of batter with canned pumpkin puree and add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. You get a hybrid that nods to both British pudding and classic American Thanksgiving—a real conversation starter at brunch.
Serving & Tips
Serving Ideas: Warm slices taste divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Feeling cheeky? Top with chopped pecans for crunch. Trust me, your taste buds will send you thank-you notes.
Storage Tips: Got leftovers? Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Want to stash it longer? Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month—straight into the toaster oven when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Seasonal Touch: Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt or garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive look. Ever wondered how to level up your Thanksgiving Food Ideas? This is your next power move.
Final Thoughts
I still remember the first time I served this pudding at a Friendsgiving—people literally fought over the last bite. No shame here, I joined the brawl 😉 Sticky Toffee Pudding feels like the coziest blanket on a platter, and it’s a shout-out to classic British fare while fitting right into our Thanksgiving Treats lineup.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie, you’ll find this recipe forgiving and utterly delicious. Ready to make your holiday spread shine? Go on, give it a whirl—you’ve got this.
FAQs
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to popping it in the oven. This trick works wonders when you’re juggling multiple Thanksgiving Baking Recipes.
How do I store leftover Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Store cooled pudding in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. When you crave a sweet treat, reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Can I freeze Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Yes! Cut the pudding into individual servings, wrap each in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm through gently. It’s like having a stash of Thanksgiving Desserts Easy on demand.
What can I substitute for dates?
If dates aren’t your jam (pun intended), use dried figs or prunes. They offer similar sweetness and texture. You may need to adjust the soaking time slightly, but you’ll still end up with a moist, flavorful pudding that impresses.
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