I made this today and sadly it was flat, wet and not so good. Stir in the flour, then date puree. I love sticky toffee pudding. I even thing swapping some dark chocolate (3 oz) with 3 oz of the melted butter would be nice. I had just been thinking that I needed exactly what you created: neat little boards with pretty photos showing me all of my Smitten Kitchen choices for the holidays. Thanks Deb! Do you continue to simmer as you whisk or do you remove the pan from the heat? I’m so upset. I only know that it was a disaster. This cake would be as welcome on a holiday dinner table, which is what I most associate it with, yet is simple enough to be an ideal consolation prize for another dark, rainy fall day. Regrettably, I forgot to keep some cream for the pudd’. Your icing is an inspiration; thank you!!! This month’s Saveur has a version of this, I love yours, but one thing the other recipe has that I was really impressed with was lemon juice in the toffee sauce, it was incredible. I let the cake cool slightly, then poked holes in the top, and poured half of the sauce over it. Haven’t made Stick Toffee Pudding in awhile (the husband has been on a low carb diet for the past year, and doing very well), but I have some dates drying out in the fridge right now and those looks luscious and wonderful…. I think maybe I underbaked it? Thanks, Deb. I have a whole tree full! AMAZING! If you haven’t tried a stove top steamed, it’s a delight! Sounds like a lovely cake! We often serve cake for pudding and cold puddings such as Eton Mess, Pavlova, syllabub and posset- they are referred to as pudding. Tragic. That last part could have been disastrous ending with that awful poorly mixed soda taste, but thankfully didn’t. They serve it with custard sauce across the pond, so while the cake is quite simple to pull together, I dread making the creme Anglaise that is “required” in this household. Can this be baked in muffins tins, for individual servings? So delicious. Six years ago: Pepita Brittle I’ll be making it again :). Never mind. There were several earlier versions including one by the Sharoe Bay Hotel in the Lake District, and it was also served from the mid 1980s in Ye Horns Inn in Goosnargh in Lancashire. So cakes, steamed puddings, etc. 500+ pins on my food board later, I finally gave up cooking Anything On Pinterest except Things Derived From Smitten Kitchen after arriving at a few too many dinner parties with Something That Looked Great But Tasted Like Cardboard. Can’t wait to try this one. Never one to detract from British Cooking I cannot tell a lie and must own up and say this desert is allegedly CANADIAN This seems much like a sheet cake version of the traditional British dessert called “Sticky Toffee Pudding” which also relies on dates for the sticky texture and sweetness. And NO CHOCOLATE, which is the one that really kills me. And I’ve never been served anything for “pudding” that is cold–so no cookies/brownies, etc. I’d definitely make again! I forgot how much I love sticky toffee pudding! This question is a last-minute hail mary as I am trying to make this cake now, but here goes – I was trying to halve the cake, but I accidentally put in the normal amount of baking soda. Yes please! Thanks!! Made this yesterday! Thank you! As soon as I saw this, with the original title, I thought, “Yay, Deb is doing sticky toffee pudding — my favorite British dessert!” I’m married to a Scot, and I get this every time we travel to visit his family. A huge hit. Susie — You can, however, since it takes only 10 minutes and would probably take 5 minutes to heat, I might make it right before serving it. Cake is made, it smells devine. I’ve been looking for a reason to buy dates in bulk. The only thing we would have done differently would be to cook the toffee sauce a little bit more to achieve a thicker texture, but it still tasted delicious. Wow. Meadow — Thank you for making me Google Robert Burns Supper! You could add a bit more. Sticky toffee pudding is my absolute favorite dessert!! Plus, 15,000 VegFriends profiles, articles, and more! regardless, it looks amazing!!! You can even, if you wish, flame it before serving. Ok so what do I do if I hate dates… Is there something else I could make it with? Yours might take a bit longer. Thank you for the recipe! Susan — Yes, as you figured out. ;-). And one bite of the butterscotch sauce ladled over the humble square of cake forced me to reconsider everything I once thought I disliked about warm desserts. I also can’t help salting the butterscotch sauce. love your blog and cookbooks and have been following you for over ten years! While this is cooking, prepare the sauce. My husband will be so glad I “found” it. It gives it an extra dark syrupy kick. The sauce did not work for me the first go-round; however, both the butter and the brown sugar may have been past their prime. Thank was rewarded by a collective swoon from everyone present, and then, a rush for seconds by those with stamina. I think I will take to calling it Sticky Toffee Pudding instead so as not to scare off the locals(U.S. that is). The sauce is to die for–so, so delicious. Pub Style Fish & Chips | $17.25 beer battered cod, coleslaw, french fries, tartar sauce. I have fond memories of STP, and this recipe did not disappoint! Can I make it now (3 weeks before) and freeze it? The sauce simmered vigorously for about 9 minutes and thickened nicely. I’ve found that if you cook the pudding in little foil dishes or dariole moulds and then put the sauce into a bowl and submerge the puddings in the bowl of sauce before putting them back in the dishes this works really well. I love date nut cake and date nut bread! I’ve seen in other recipes poking holes in the cake while in the pan and pouring some sauce over it then drizzling the rest on it when serving. thank you for the recipe! You are THAT good, Deb <3. I whisked it for about 20 mins on low. So, I wonder how it’d go if you steeped some mint for a little bit with the dates? Make the cake: Pit and roughly chop dates and place them in a heatproof bowl. Seeing it on your site brought a smile to my face. It was a super-hit!!! This recipe hails from the first cookbook from Sunday Suppers, a cooking series and event space in Williamsburg, with stunning picture windows looking out over the bridge. This looks so good! After we finished the cake, we drizzled the left over caramel over vanilla ice cream with walnuts- yum. It wouldn’t win any prizes for beauty (didn’t look half as nice as the pictures here!) Glad to know I could make it at home if I needed to :). I’m getting my thanksgiving menu ready (your biscuits, sweet potato roast, green bean casserole) and was wondering if the cake part of this recipe could be made a day in advance? What perfect timing! My strawberries are swimming in it these days! This recipe was delicious – the sauce came out perfectly. Is. The only reason my husband stays with me is because I make him sticky toffee pudding once a year. i love dates, i live in saudi arabia it’s everywhere and over 100 kind! Melanie — I think baked in ramekins would be cute. Sticky toffee pudding is my favourite dessert and smitten kitchen is my favourite food blog. I had fresh dates so I reduced the water by 1 cup like previous reviewers did. Just last week I was wondering when you would put up a recipe for this. About a decade ago I saw Ms Martha with a table scape full of lovely cakes, prepared for winter holiday. Hi Deb! This is one of my all-time favorite desserts and I’m thrilled to get to try making it myself. I love date cakes. Which is why I know that the cake freezes very well – and since it’s just a couple of minutes to make the sauce…. As an American recently moved to England, I’m so glad you’re opened the discussion up for a definition of “pudding!” (and thanks for the Brits who’ve commented!) But maybe I’m wrong about that. You are a beacon of hope for this transplanted Jewish girl in Salt Lake City, UT. I’ll try the banana pudding:). Thanks for another keeper!! Thinking this cake will round out the pie table nicely for Thanksgiving. Thanks! This is one of my favourite desserts which I discovered when I lived in the UK. Yes. It tastes like it took hours and lots of fancy tricks. I used all the same ingredients but I baked it in a 10 inch round pan within a water bath to mimic the steamed effect of the traditional pudding. Mary — I think it could be. I make this sauce whenever I need to feed a large crowd, or just to keep in my freezer. Nevermind my question. THE BEST sticky toffee pudding i made so far i poked holes and poured the sauce!! One note on the sauce, I recommend making it before serving (it goes fast – I promise) as mine got gritty as it cooled, but no one complained because it was so delish! I have to say, I can’t wait to make this! Was still a great compliment to the cake, but was wondering if I was doing something wrong. Guns and Tequila: The Life and Times of Sam Peckinpah. Gotta love that! Sugars didn’t crystalize or anything for me. Love love love this recipe. Not sure if it’s been answered above, but the reason for the baking soda in date recipes is that it helps break down the fibers, so the dates incorporate better into the cake. Perfect for March weather that can’t decide if it’s winter or spring. I also poked tiny holes all over the cake with a toothpick and then poured the sauce directly on top of the whole thing, to help it soak in and make serving easier for a large group. Only thing I would change is adding some salt directly into the sauce instead of just at the end when serving (I found the sauce to be a bit too sweet!). And no separation or hardening in the fridge! “My” cake is also tasty without any topping. Yum! I did use dark brown sugar and it was nice. Moto being down the street from me was my go-to for guests and any other excuse I could wrangle to even just be near the smell of the glorious date cake at the next table. It was supposedly invented (or at least popularized) at the Sharrow Bay Hotel in Cumbria. Worried after 30 minutes, I turned on the convection oven to speed things up. I’m not sure what’s going on, since Deb’s photos look fairly cakey. Four years ago: Spaghetti with Chickpeas I’ve since made it for him and he’s always a happy camper. I baked the cake for 25 minutes in a 9×9 pan, and it came out thinner than anticipated. Perfect–I also added 1/2 t cardamom and 1 tsp vanilla. I added extra salt to everything and didn’t regret it. I’ve never bothered with either the pecans or the grilling. Can’t wait to try your version! As an expat Brit living in Austria I feel the need every so often to make something homey (& widen my hubby’s horizons). Historical Hooching. I bought a massive bag of dates at Costco for baking projects. I just regret I only made a half recipe. Made it this afternoon. In separate med-large pyrex bowl, mix 24 oz bottle spaghetti sauce with (1) 14 oz. To Plan Your Next Event, Call 833-STK-EVTS. I’ve made this numerous times; however, the last three times the cake sank and became pudding-like. Boobsy Chinese dear benefits from her melons oiled up to titty fuck and uses toys . I actually have a 10×10 pan that I never get to use, so I used it. It tasted the same and was a hit with vegans and non vegans alike! Thanks, Deb, for helping to make a sweet spot in the chaos for this very tired mama. A variation was also championed by the late great John Tovey at Miller Howe. I’ve made it twice today and they both sank. Thanks for sharing this…Maureen. My search landed me here. It’s mentioned in the very first step – add it to the dates as they soak. Sticky Toffee Pudding was one of our favorite things about our visit to Canada – other than the Canadian Rockies, of course. But NOT all puddings are or have to be steamed – for example Summer pudding is simply pressed, bread & butter pudding just baked and sticky toffee pudding does not get steamed either. My. Cake Some parts of it are organized into months and seasons. I wonder if my dates had a lot of moisture? I’ve tried it twice, both times delicious, but both times I feel like it’s too fluffy and cake-like as opposed to dense and pudding-y, the way it should be. Thanks for making me look like a rockstar at a casual neighborhood dinner party. Hope it turnes out the right way! I was curious and also just wanted to make more room in my pantry. Six Months Ago: Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp Bars Can’t wait to try this recipe though! Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, oysters, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, Our steak program is a one-of-a-kind, curated experience courtesy of the Linz Heritage Certified Black Angus Program. We make a version of this. Used all dark brown sugar in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, but no change in consistency. I looked at a half-dozen other recipes (after this one fell flat) and I’m wondering if you left out the baking powder..? I love learning about this stuff, and am glad the cake was a hit. I have a million things I want to try but they’re spread between cookbooks, blogs, magazines, etc, etc, etc and I know I’ll never make half of them because I’ll forget where I ever found them. Templeton Smash. I found a nice cold glass of milk to go better than whipped cream melting on the plate. I missed out the step where you soak dates in hot water and baking soda, I can’t wait to make it at home. What a fun quest. Pour boiling water over them and stir in the baking soda. And is the date soaking water really to be added to the batter? Strawberry and vanilla-infused vodka 1 oz. I’ve bookmarked about 20 recipes since and plan to add them all into my baking rotation! This looks so great, similar to a date cake my mom used to make for Christmas growing up when we were expats in the Middle East. The sauce is CRACK. I’ve made this three times, and it’s going in the regular rotation for the holidays. Any recommendations for another sauce that might work? I used heavy cream, honey, and Ghirardelli semi-sweet chips. In 1997, Roc-A-Fella agreed to a 50/50 partnership and distribution deal with Def Jam.As such, the only release in 1997 was Jay-Z's second album, In My Lifetime, Vol. Now replaces Christmas Pudding at our house. What a wonderful combo!! I’d really like to make one this weekend and I never have.” HOW DID YOU DO THAT SO WEIRD BUT IT’S FATE. During happy hour the desserts were something like half off…perfect for a 4:00 pm snack! It’s on par with restaurant toffee sauces. Dear Deb A slick trick of St Delia is to make the puddings in individual metal moulds in advance of the dinner party and freeze the puddings – you can even freeze the sauce. Through the rest out. This cake is one of my favs. If you are using fresh dates (the are really moist Jordanian dates), do you still need to combine with 2 1/4 cups boiling water? 8 tablespoons (1 stick, 4 ounces or 115 grams) unsalted butter, melted Let’s see if I can stick to it! I agree this makes it more “pudding”, and therefore slightly more authentic. I poured half the sauce over the poked cake after cooling for about 10 minutes. That’s (833)-785-3887. Great recipe to try out! I loved it too! It’s excellent. Seven years ago: Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes with Sauteed Apples The caramel was the best part. It is so beautiful! Once it was simmering again, it was like it had never happened. Thank you! http://sharacooks.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/date-and-walnut-loaf.html This is close enough to the recipe I used to make — and probably better. Baked in an 8×8. Baked about 30 mins in a glass 8×8. Three years ago: Baked Pumpkin and Sour Cream Puddings Am I first? I mean, I know you wouldn’t need all of it, but you’d probably still need some. You never let me down!! Google Felicity Cloake perfect sticky toffee pudding for details. Added cloves, cayenne, and cinnamon with the flour. Dates pitted, stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in arugula and the brasaola and then baked for 12 minutes for the other end of the party). I just put this cake in the oven and will soon be enjoying a big hunk of it with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea. My Thanksgiving and Christmas menus are complete, so it will have to do for a bible study dessert. Our retractable glass enclosure allows you to experience the charm of STK Rooftop year-round. I’m still kicking myself for forgetting to sprinkle it with the pretty pink sea salt I bought just for the occasion, but it got rave reviews! Shell pasta baked in a rich cream sauce with lobster and a crunchy bread crumb topping. And it has already happened A LOT of times – I read the recipe’s title in my email feed, think “hmm this is not going to interest me”, then go to the post because you never know, there might be some gorgeous photos I’d hate missing, and ta-da, I’m hooked and saving the printable recipe in my to-do folder. It looked exactly like yours ( your instructions are always so accurate and clear) Family had to be restrained from having 3 helpings of this cake each, and my son made the comment that the cake was fabulous and the sauce was really ‘liquid fudge’. i’ve been meaning to look up a recipe since the fat cow restaurant in los angeles closed. Now, on to the Spotted Dick (I kid you not….). manchego cheese - lemon black pepper emulsion - herb crouton, nueske's applewood smoked bacon - point reyes blue - cherry tomato, hass avocado - taro chips - soy-honey emulsion, wagyu beef - special sauce - sesame seed bun, whole grain mustard cream - chili thread - cucumber mustard seeds salad, marinated beetroot - pickled red onions - basil oil - crunchy sourdough, Oysters - Ceviche - Calamari - Clams - Mussels - Jalapeño Pickled Shrimp - Alaskan King Crab - Maine Lobster, pickled cherry tomatoes - piquillo broccolini - olive dressing, butternut squash purée - grilled asparagus - roasted king oyster mushroom, creamed potatoes - roasted pepper relish - crispy shallots - red wine glaze, tomato - lemon - garlic - creamy lobster sauce - parmesan, pecorino - braised mushrooms - baby spinach - shaved black truffle, sautéed bok choy - ginger - crispy shallots - thai basil, cinnamon sugar - dulce de leche - raspberry - chocolate, grey goose le citron vodka - st~germain muddled cucumber - mint, patrón silver tequila - st~germain wtrmln wtr - fresh lime - jalapeño, woodford reserve - angostura bitters - brown sugar - vanilla bean, belvedere vodka - muddled strawberry - graham cracker crust, belvedere ginger zest - yellow chartreuse - fresh lime - fever tree ginger beer, bacardi 4 rum - pear liqueur - fresh lime - demerara syrup, the botanist gin - campari - carpano antica sweet vermouth, aperol - prosecco - club soda - orange slice, aromatic or traditional - botanist gin - perfect serve, hennessy vs cognac - muddled mint & lime - ginger soda, wtrmln wtr - cucumber juice - mint - splash of soda (non alcoholic), naturally flavored - gluten free - california white wine grapes, elderflower - mint - lime naturally flavored - gluten free - california white wine grapes, maple glazed bacon - shishito peppers - poached eggs - hollandaise - toasted english muffin - chili flakes, smashed avocado - cilantro - grilled sourdough bread - poached eggs - jalapeño - extra virgin olive oil - toasted pumpkin seeds, lobster - baby spinach - poached eggs - caviar hollandaise - toasted english muffin, 7oz beef patty - american cheese - bacon - fried egg - lettuce - tomato - onion - special sauce - fries, brioche - berries - cream cheese icing - maple syrup, wagyu flat iron 8oz - fried egg - shaved truffle - crispy potatoes - truffle buttered brioche, buttermilk waffles - fried hot chicken thigh - pickles - coleslaw - maple BBQ sauce, roasted pepper relish - caramelized onions - avocado - sautéed spinach - mushrooms - emmental cheese - baby green leaves, rolled in cinnamon sugar - 3 dipping sauces: dulce de leche - spiced chocolate - raspberry, 750ml bottle dom pérignon champagne, luminous & 1 dozen oysters, basil - shishito peppers - roasted garlic & lime aioli - asian chili sauce. Thanks! And it makes great leftovers. We also call things we eat FOR pudding, puddings but they don’t have to be steamed. Linz Heritage Black Angus cattle are certified, allowing for consistency and the highest quality marbled beef. Everything in this recipe is perfection, looks so yummy and I can’t wait to try it. I just made the toffee sauce with another cake recipe. I love baked goods with dried fruit and especially dates, so this is win-win. I have a potluck to cook for and was hoping this would be something yummy and different to bring. Plus, I understand that sometimes black tea is used instead of water? I added a bit of whiskey to the sauce but didn’t notice a difference. I have 10 x 10 pans (bought for big square layer cakes) and no 9 x 13! I mixed baking soda later and my cake has turned out gewy inside. This looks great! Guess it was a lucky mistake? The extra half recipe I made was used for drizzling so it looked extra pretty on the plate when it was served. Farmer Freed — Sadly, I don’t know the moisture difference between dried and fresh dates, so I cannot say. Thanks. I was thinking that I could try to make two loaves with the recipe. Hope that helps get your kitchen engines started. Or even an 8-inch round for a slightly thicker cake. It was baked in a Bundt pan and made a small cake. Bonnie — I don’t think I’ve ever been stern with people who read this site, except for maybe in jest (you know, mock horror about people who do not wish to celebration National Pie For Breakfast day with me, the day after Thanksgiving). Love your website and book! Slap Ya Mama Meatloaf | $18.75 I have two questions about the recipe: If I’m making half the recipe in an 8×8 pan, any ideas about how long it will take to bake? I live in Dubai and there is such a great choice of tasty dates to get on the market, but I never knew what to do with them besides just eating them. Sticky Toffee Pudding! Lucked out not looking closely at the photos of the dates, but got the correct thing anyway. I love all your posts and your honesty Deb! (Also, Christmas pud is dire…just don’t tell my mother in law I said so). From years of listening to BBC Food Programmes, ‘pudding’ in the UK means dessert in general. I ate this on a road trip in Australia in 2001, and I have never looked back. And my favourite date dessert is a hot date cake with Caramel Sauce, a slightly different take on your pudding: Now I have requests to make it again at Christmas! I have no idea how you could originally turn down a sticky, sweet, and warm dessert but I am so happy you changed your mind and made this! I’m another one who thinks this looks like sticky toffee pudding, which is one of the wonders of traditional British cuisine. This recipe is delicious! Kelly — I am not sure that there’s enough batter to nicely fill out a bundt. Coconut milk dulce de leche (aka caramel sauce) is my go-to dairy free sauce option. Not at all confusing, right?! To 35 min to cook in a 9×9. STK Rooftop is situated on top of STK Downtown, overlooking the Meatpacking District, with front row seats to the Hudson River and High Line. Huhm, really should make one soon again.. I’ve never heard about black tea being used though ?! Sticky toffee pudding! I have tons of containers of date paste (Just dates I believe, nothing else on the ingredients list) left over from a Maamoul experiment. Hi! Wine sauce is an example of a culinary sauce that uses wine as a primary ingredient. When serving, I put the rest of the sauce onto the cake. I know sauce and whipped cream should be done just before serving. I often make the cake in advance and then just simmer the sauce when it’s time for dessert. My go to desert for the holidays has always been cranberry pudding with hard sauce but this is delicious too! I hate to be Bah humbug but this was not good. The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. uses cookies on our website. This may have just won. It was luscious with a generous pinch of salt. YUM! I love the runny sauce. I’m not sure what I did wrong, any ideas? Have you read Simon Hopkinson’s article on STP IN the Gruniad from 2008? Could I half this recipe and make it in a bundtlette /mini bundt pan? Adrienne — The cake would be good cold the next day, but the sauce needs to be warmed and re-whisked to be served. Feel somewhat disappointed, as when I’ve had this dish in restaurants, the cake itself has also been flavorful and delicious. If the cake and sauce are separate, keep them that way. I love, love, love my grandmother’s date bread. Do you think (dark) coconut sugar could work in place of the dark brown sugar? I’m pretty sure I have pitted dates in my pantry, do you know what weight of pitted dates I should use? The recipes I’ve collected over there all have to be converted, so I’m happy to see this. not to be a stick in the mud here, but i would have left the title as it was. Thanks, this goes into the recipe box. Sticky toffee pud is a key part to any Christmas holiday for us. Or can you use 3/4 pound fresh dates and puree until smooth? I gave it a go anyway – it baked ok but had a very gluey, dense fudge texture – not what I was expecting from a STP. And again and again…. Being a native Brit, I can definitively say that this is a version of our very own Sticky Toffee Pudding …which originated in Cartmel in the gorgeous Lake District I believe. I made a full amount of the sauce because I needed to use up the cream. This toffee sauce would make me rethink warm desserts as well it sounds heavenly. I was given the Sharoe Bay recipe and another by the late Pat Portus who was a chef at a farm shop in Wooler and at a country house hotel in Powburn in Northumberland. Being a huge fan myself, I will now be making this asap, so thank you! There it’s called “sticky date pudding”. You can bake it in individual cups. So delicious. Hey Deb, do you think one could make this in a springform? Thanks for the clarification! The first time I soaked the dates with baking soda and my cake turned out very dense but still tasty. She confirmed that it was always served with the toffee soaked into the cake across the pond. Any tips for thickening it up? Serving the leftovers was easy too. Nigella Lawson said 1970s but I think youve given a more complete answer. hm, the contents of the pot look rather dubious, and then they turn into such beautifully bubbly caramel – pure kitchen magic! Fresh mint leaves (optional). The unsweetened whipped cream is the final perfect touch… The cake was moist, rich yet fluffy, and the toffee sauce was luscious and sticky. Check. This looks amazing! Love? Goodness. My family first tried Sticky Toffee Pudding at Rules in London (once in a lifetime thing). I like to spoon it into muffin or small loaf pans to give as little treats! Deb – I noticed that there’s a slightly darker look to the bottom 1/3 of the cake. This is very close to a Queen Elizabeth cake, which is my all-time favourite! I make little gingerbread houses out of gingerbread cake for the family kids at Christmas but because of dietary issues that recipe is out. Love dates! 5 Vodka Sauce Recipes To Try This WeekAnd would you miss it if it wasn't there? The texture of this cake is soft and pleasantly chewy, and it’s sweet but not overly so. I can’t wait to make this! It turned out to be great. Hangover House.