Get ready to experience a dessert that will transport you straight to culinary heaven! This irresistible Sticky Date Pudding is not just a recipe – it's a family heirloom that promises to melt hearts and create unforgettable moments. Imagine a warm, decadent pudding with soft, caramelized dates, perfectly balanced sweetness, and a luxurious caramel sauce that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this classic British dessert is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Caramel sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) square baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Sprinkle baking soda over the dates, then pour boiling water on top. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates and allow them to absorb the water.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Add the softened date mixture to the batter, stirring until just combined. The mixture will be quite wet and have a slightly lumpy texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool in the dish for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm, generously drizzled with caramel sauce. For best results, serve immediately while still slightly warm.
Tips
- Date Preparation: Ensure your dates are fresh and pitted. Chopping them finely helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Water Temperature: Use boiling water when soaking dates to help them soften and release maximum flavor.
- Mixing Technique: Be gentle when folding flour and date mixture into the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense pudding.
- Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature, as slight variations can affect baking time and texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after baking for the best texture. The warmth enhances the caramel sauce and pudding's richness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate, but bring to room temperature before baking.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, make your caramel sauce from scratch or choose a high-quality store-bought version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 443kcal
Carbohydrates: 71g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 98mg
