Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Delia Smith’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert known for its moist, tender sponge made with dates and rich, buttery toffee sauce. This comforting dessert is ideal for cozy evenings, special occasions, or any time you want a warm, indulgent treat. Topped with creamy sauce and served with ice cream or custard, it’s a dessert everyone will love.

What is Delia Smith’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Delia Smith’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a traditional British pudding featuring a soft, date-enriched sponge cake topped with a warm toffee sauce made from butter, sugar, and cream. The pudding is baked until golden and then doused with the sauce, which soaks into the sponge, creating a sweet, sticky, and comforting dessert.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Yorkshire Pudding
• Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
• Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and Comforting: Perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering.
• Moist and Flavorful Sponge: The dates provide natural sweetness and texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry ingredients with a luxurious taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great dessert for dinner parties or family gatherings.
• Ultimate Treat: The warm toffee sauce over the soft sponge is pure indulgence.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding

For the Sponge Cake

• 175g Pitted Dates (chopped): Adds sweetness and moistness.
• 300ml Boiling Water: Softens the dates for a smooth texture.
• 1 tsp Baking Soda: Helps the dates break down and makes the sponge tender.
• 75g Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture.
• 150g Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor.
• 2 Large Eggs: Adds structure and lightness.
• 200g Self-Raising Flour: Helps the cake rise.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.

For the Toffee Sauce

• 200g Dark Brown Sugar: Sweetens and adds caramel flavor to the sauce.
• 100g Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the toffee sauce.
• 250ml Double Cream: Adds creaminess and richness.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Complements the caramel flavors.

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding

Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dates

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease a baking dish with butter. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with boiling water and add the baking soda. Let sit for about 10 minutes to soften the dates.

Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4. Add the Flour and Date Mixture

Sift in the self-raising flour and gently fold it into the batter. Then, add the date mixture, including any remaining liquid, and fold until just combined.

Step 5. Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6. Prepare the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding bakes, make the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the dark brown sugar, butter, and double cream. Stir until the butter has melted, and the sauce is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7. Serve the Sticky Toffee Pudding

Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. Pour some of the warm toffee sauce over the pudding, allowing it to soak in. Serve with extra toffee sauce on the side and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
• Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, balances the richness of the toffee sauce.
• Custard – A warm, creamy addition that pairs well with sticky toffee pudding.
• Fresh Berries – Provides a refreshing tartness to the sweetness of the pudding.
• Chopped Nuts – Adds texture and enhances the caramel flavor.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Sticky Toffee Pudding

To achieve the perfect sticky toffee pudding, follow these tips:

• Use Fresh, Soft Dates – Fresh dates create a smoother texture and richer flavor.
• Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the sponge dense, so fold gently.
• Prepare Sauce in Advance – You can make the toffee sauce ahead and reheat it before serving.
• Serve Warm – Sticky toffee pudding is best served warm for optimal texture and flavor.
• Add Sauce Just Before Serving – Pouring the sauce over right before serving keeps the pudding moist without it becoming overly soggy.

Easy Variations of Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding

Try these variations to customize the pudding:

• Add a Touch of Spice – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth.
• Use Golden Syrup – Replace part of the sugar with golden syrup for extra depth.
• Incorporate Nuts – Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Add Orange Zest – A hint of orange zest adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
• Top with Salted Caramel Sauce – For a salted twist, sprinkle sea salt into the toffee sauce.

Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Longer Storage – Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the Fridge – Thaw frozen pudding in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Oven Reheat – Warm the pudding in a preheated 150°C (300°F) oven for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave Individual Portions – Heat individual portions on low for 30-45 seconds.
• Add Fresh Toffee Sauce – Reheat the sauce separately and pour it over before serving.

How Can I Make Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding Healthier?

• Reduce Sugar – Use slightly less sugar in both the sponge and sauce.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour – Substitute part of the self-raising flour for whole wheat flour.
• Replace Cream with Milk – Use a mix of milk and cream in the toffee sauce to lighten it.
• Add Fresh Fruit – Serve with berries to balance the sweetness.
• Skip the Sauce – Serve the sponge alone with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 45g

FAQs

Can I Make Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding in Advance?

Yes, sticky toffee pudding can be made in advance. Bake the sponge and let it cool, then store it covered in the fridge. Prepare the toffee sauce separately and reheat both just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How Do I Reheat Sticky Toffee Pudding?

To reheat sticky toffee pudding, warm it in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on low for 30-45 seconds. Pour warmed toffee sauce over the pudding just before serving.

Can I Freeze Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Yes, sticky toffee pudding freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What Can I Substitute for Dates in Sticky Toffee Pudding?

If you don’t have dates, you can substitute with prunes or figs. Both have a similar texture and sweetness. Chop them finely and follow the same steps as you would with dates for the best results.

Final Words

Delia Smith’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is guaranteed to impress with its deep, caramel flavor and moist texture.

Whether served with ice cream, whipped cream, or a generous drizzle of toffee sauce, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy each decadent bite of this beloved British classic!

More Recipes By British Baking Recipes

• Mary Berry Date and Banana Cake
• Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Paul Hollywood Sticky Toffee Pudding

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