Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to pure dessert heaven! Naylene's Sticky Date Pudding is not just a recipe; it's a decadent experience that combines the rich, caramel-like sweetness of dates with a moist, tender cake that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this British classic will have your family and friends begging for seconds - and asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and set aside to soak for about 10 minutes. This will soften the dates and help create a rich flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the pudding.
- Fold the soaked dates (along with the soaking liquid) into the batter until evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick and sticky, which is perfect for a sticky date pudding.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the dish.
- Carefully invert the pudding onto a serving plate, removing the parchment paper. Serve warm, ideally with a generous drizzle of warm toffee sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish.
Tips
- Date Preparation is Key: Ensure your dates are fresh and chopped evenly for consistent texture throughout the pudding.
- Don't Rush the Soaking: Let the dates soak in boiling water for the full 10 minutes to soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Gentle Mixing: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to maintain a light, tender crumb.
- Oven Accuracy Matters: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature for even baking.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra luxurious touch, serve with homemade toffee sauce or vanilla custard.
- Make Ahead: This pudding tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
