Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Nigella’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert that combines a soft, date-filled sponge with a warm, buttery toffee sauce. This classic British dessert is perfect for chilly nights or holiday gatherings and is often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The moist, tender sponge and the sweet, caramel-like toffee sauce make this pudding an irresistible treat.

What is Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Nigella’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a traditional British dessert made with a light, moist sponge cake infused with dates. The cake is served with a warm toffee sauce made from butter, sugar, and cream, which soaks into the sponge, adding richness and sweetness to every bite.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Yorkshire Pudding
• Delia Smith Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Comforting and Indulgent: Perfect for cold days or as a special treat.
• Moist and Flavorful Sponge: The dates give the sponge a unique texture and caramel-like sweetness.
• Quick and Simple: Straightforward steps with no complicated techniques.
• Great for Entertaining: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead of time.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: A festive dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding

For the Sponge Cake

• 200g Pitted Dates (chopped): Adds sweetness and moisture to the sponge.
• 250ml Boiling Water: Softens the dates and enhances their flavor.
• 1 tsp Baking Soda: Helps soften the dates and create a tender texture.
• 85g Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness to the sponge.
• 140g Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a caramel-like flavor.
• 2 Large Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
• 200g Self-Raising Flour: Provides structure and helps the sponge rise.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.

For the Toffee Sauce

• 200g Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and adds a caramel flavor.
• 100g Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce.
• 250ml Double Cream: Makes the sauce smooth and creamy.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the toffee flavor.

Instructions to Make Nigella 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 mixing bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take 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.

Step 4. Add the Flour and Date Mixture

Gently fold in the self-raising flour, followed by the softened date mixture, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the sponge dense.

Step 5. Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6. Prepare the Toffee Sauce

While the sponge is baking, make the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the light brown sugar, butter, and double cream. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7. Serve the Sticky Toffee Pudding

Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 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 Nigella 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.
• Toasted Pecan or Walnuts – Adds crunch and complement the caramel flavor.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Sticky Toffee Pudding

For a perfect sticky toffee pudding, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh, Soft Dates – Fresh dates create a smoother texture and richer flavor.
• Avoid Overmixing – Overmixing can make the sponge dense, so fold gently.
• Make the Sauce in Advance – You can prepare the toffee sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.
• Serve Warm – Sticky toffee pudding is best enjoyed warm with the toffee sauce freshly poured over it.
• Add the Sauce Before Serving – Pouring the sauce just before serving keeps the sponge moist without it becoming soggy.

Easy Variations of Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding

Try these variations for unique flavors:

• Add a Touch of Spice – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
• Use Dark Brown Sugar – For a deeper, more intense caramel flavor in the sauce.
• Fold in Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and complement the toffee flavor.
• Add Orange Zest – A hint of orange zest adds a subtle citrusy brightness.
• Try a Salted Toffee Sauce – Add a pinch of sea salt to the sauce for a salted caramel twist.

Best Practices to Store Nigella 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 Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Oven Reheat – Warm the pudding in a preheated 150°C (300°F) oven for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave Individual Portions – Microwave on low for 30-45 seconds until warm, adding extra toffee sauce if desired.
• Serve Freshly Reheated – Reheat just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How Can I Make Nigella 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 for added fiber.
• 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 with a fresh touch.
• 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 Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding in Advance?

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

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Sticky Toffee Pudding?

To reheat sticky toffee pudding, place it in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions on low for 30-45 seconds. Add warm toffee sauce just before serving.

Can I Freeze Nigella Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Yes, sticky toffee pudding freezes well. Wrap 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 them with prunes or figs for a similar texture and sweetness. Chop them finely and follow the same steps as you would with dates for the best results.

Final Words

Nigella’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a dessert that’s sure to impress with its rich flavor, soft sponge, and decadent toffee sauce.

This warm, comforting dessert is perfect for cozy nights and special gatherings alike. Whether you serve it with ice cream, custard, or extra sauce on the side, each bite of this sticky toffee pudding is an indulgent treat!

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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