Description
This rich and moist date pudding is a delightful dessert perfect for those who love a comforting, homemade treat. Combining sweet, soft dates with a buttery, spiced cake base and topped with a luscious toffee sauce, this pudding is baked to perfection and served warm for maximum indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped pitted dates (soft and moist)
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toffee Sauce
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Soak Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Add the baking soda and stir to combine. Let the mixture soak for 10 minutes to soften the dates thoroughly.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Batter Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture, mixing gently to combine without overworking the batter.
- Add Soaked Dates: Lightly mash the soaked dates with a fork to break them up, then fold them into the batter evenly. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the pudding is cooked through.
- Prepare Toffee Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the dark brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken.
- Serve: Once the pudding is baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Pour the warm toffee sauce over the top and serve immediately with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- Make sure the dates are moist and soft to achieve the best texture in the pudding.
- Room temperature eggs help blend the batter smoothly and add to the light texture.
- The toffee sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a nuttier twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- This pudding is best served warm to enjoy the full flavor and texture contrast with the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: date pudding, toffee sauce, baked dessert, comfort food, moist cake, easy dessert recipe
