Mary Berry’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a traditional British dessert with a soft, date-filled sponge cake soaked in a warm, gooey toffee sauce. The combination of the dark, moist cake with the rich, caramelized sauce creates an unforgettable flavor that’s both deeply satisfying and comforting. Known for its simplicity and richness, this pudding is a crowd-pleaser and a favorite for holiday gatherings.
Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour over the boiling water. Add the bicarbonate of soda, stir, and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This helps soften the dates and break them down for a smoother sponge.
In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or whisk, and beat for about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Fold in the self-raising flour gently, followed by the softened date mixture, until you have a smooth batter.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch baking dish, then pour the batter into it, smoothing the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the sponge is baking, make the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the muscovado sugar, butter, cream, and black treacle or golden syrup. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Once the sponge is baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve each portion with a generous drizzle of the warm toffee sauce, and pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for extra indulgence.