Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding is a soft date sponge served warm with a buttery brown sugar toffee sauce. It is a cozy British dessert for holidays, Sunday dinners, or make-ahead entertaining.
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the pudding
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for the sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter for the sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the sauce
Instructions
- Combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda in a bowl, then let the mixture soften for about 10 minutes.
- Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until smooth and light.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the flour and baking powder just until the batter is mostly combined.
- Stir in the softened date mixture with its soaking liquid until the batter is evenly mixed.
- Spread the batter in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is set.
- Simmer the cream, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring until glossy.
- Spoon some warm sauce over the baked pudding, then slice and serve with extra sauce.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping extra sauce separate when possible.
Freezing: Freeze baked pudding slices without sauce for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or cover and reheat in a low oven until soft.
Expert Tips: Chop the dates small and let them fully soften so they blend into the sponge instead of staying chewy.
Sauce Tips: Simmer the toffee sauce gently and stir often so the cream stays smooth and does not scorch.
Variations: Add orange zest, a pinch of sea salt, or chopped pecans for a small twist that still fits the pudding.
Serving Ideas: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, custard, or fresh berries for contrast.