Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the misty highlands of Scotland! This legendary Scottish Sticky Toffee Pudding is not just a dessert – it's a magical experience that combines rich, caramelized dates with a decadent toffee sauce that will make you weak in the knees. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary feast of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Scottish
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 200g dates, chopped
- 250ml boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100g brown sugar (for sauce)
- 50g unsalted butter (for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This will soften the dates and help them blend into the batter.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Next, fold in the softened date mixture into the batter. Make sure to include any remaining liquid, as this will add moisture to the pudding.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the sticky toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
- Drizzle a generous amount of the warm sticky toffee sauce over the pudding. Serve the pudding warm, with additional sauce on the side and optionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy your delicious Scottish Sticky Toffee Pudding!
Tips
- Date Preparation: Ensure your dates are chopped finely and fully softened to create a smooth, rich texture in the pudding.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more even batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the pudding light and tender.
- Sauce Consistency: Watch your toffee sauce carefully while simmering – it should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the pudding warm for the best flavor and texture. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can elevate this dessert to new heights.
- Make Ahead: This pudding can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pudding and sauce separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
