Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + cooling Bake: 50 min.

Makes

15 servings (2-1/2 cups sauce)

Updated: Nov. 09, 2023
The classic sticky toffee pudding is a traditional dessert in the United Kingdom. I love that I can just stay home and bake this cake version, featuring saucy butterscotch. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cups coarsely chopped dates (about 12 ounces)
  • 2-1/2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1-2/3 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE:
  • 7 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream
  • 1 tablespoon brandy
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dates and water; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in baking soda. Cool to lukewarm.
  2. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in date mixture.
  3. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Cool slightly in pan on a wire rack.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter; add brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Stir in brandy and vanilla. Serve sauce warm with warm cake. If desired, top cake with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 521 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 93g carbohydrate (70g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.