Easy Sticky-Toffee Dessert is a comforting British classic that delivers a warm, indulgent experience with minimal effort. This dessert features a moist sponge cake made with chopped dates, which naturally sweeten and enrich the texture. The cake is topped with a rich, sticky toffee sauce that forms during baking, creating a luscious, syrupy layer beneath the sponge. It’s a perfect treat for cozy evenings or when entertaining guests, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth.
Served best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of crème fraîche, or a splash of heavy cream, this dessert is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Its simplicity and deliciousness have made it a favorite among home bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the cake:
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Butter, for greasing the baking dish, plus 1/4 cup, melted
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Scant 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
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1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-raising flour
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped, pitted dates
For the sauce:
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3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
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Approximately 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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2 1/4 cups boiling water
Directions:
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Prepare the cake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 1.5-quart (1.4-liter) baking dish with butter.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and self-raising flour.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a separate measuring jug, whisk together the whole milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
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Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
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Add dates: Fold in the chopped dates.
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Transfer to baking dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
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Prepare the sauce: Sprinkle the dark brown sugar evenly over the batter. Dot with small pieces of butter.
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Add boiling water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the top.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is springy and spongy.
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Serve: Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or heavy cream.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per Serving: 303 kcal | Servings: 6 to 8
Easy Sticky-Toffee Dessert Recipe: A Perfect Comforting Delight
Sticky toffee pudding is a dessert that has become a beloved staple in many households, and Nigella Lawson’s easy version of this indulgent treat takes it to new heights. In her recipe, Nigella combines the comforting richness of a traditional British sticky toffee pudding with a simplified approach that ensures anyone can whip up this dish with ease. Known for her effortless yet impressive culinary style, Nigella’s sticky toffee dessert is the epitome of home-baked goodness an irresistibly sweet treat that will warm both your heart and your taste buds.
Sticky toffee pudding, also known as sticky date pudding, originates from the United Kingdom, with several origin stories competing for authenticity. Some say it was first created in a British hotel in the 1960s, while others trace its roots back to traditional recipes from the 19th century. Regardless of its origin, one thing is certain: it is a classic British dessert that has stood the test of time. Its comforting combination of sponge cake and rich toffee sauce has captured the hearts of many, making it an iconic dessert in both restaurants and homes across the world.
Why This Sticky Toffee Dessert Is So Easy
With its straightforward ingredients and minimal preparation, the recipe doesn’t require hours of effort or a wide range of special equipment. It’s perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks who want a quick and satisfying dessert without too much hassle. What’s more, there’s no need to worry about perfecting a delicate sauce separately the toffee sauce develops in the oven as the cake bakes, making it a true one-pot dessert.
This easy sticky toffee dessert is no exception. By eliminating the need for a complicated preparation process or multiple cooking steps, she ensures that this dessert is accessible to anyone, regardless of their cooking experience. This makes it a fantastic option for people who want to impress their guests with a showstopper dessert but don’t have the time or skills to make a more intricate creation.
The use of chopped dates in the recipe is also a game-changer. Dates provide natural sweetness, and their slightly chewy texture adds a pleasant bite to the cake. They also help to keep the sponge moist, ensuring that the dessert stays soft and tender even if it’s not eaten immediately. Many traditional sticky toffee pudding recipes call for syrup or treacle, but the use of dates in this recipe adds a unique depth of flavor that makes it feel even more indulgent.
Versatility and Customization
Sticky toffee dessert is already a winning recipe, there’s plenty of room for you to personalize it and put your own twist on it. If you want to create a dairy-free version, you can easily swap the butter and cream for dairy-free alternatives. Coconut milk or almond milk can be used in place of whole milk, and coconut oil or margarine can replace butter in the cake. For a nutty twist, you can add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter. This will give the dessert an added crunch and complement the rich, caramel flavors.
For those who love a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a hint of warmth and depth. These spices pair beautifully with the sweetness of the dates and toffee sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility it’s incredibly forgiving and can be adapted to suit your preferences. You can also experiment with different toppings, like a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet contrast or a drizzle of extra toffee sauce for an even more decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make the dish your own and share it with friends and family in a way that suits your tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Nigella’s sticky toffee dessert is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, where the toffee sauce is gooey and rich. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, as the cool, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm cake and sauce. If you prefer something less sweet, a dollop of crème fraîche provides a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the dessert. You can also serve it with a simple pour of heavy cream or custard for a more traditional touch.
For a more festive occasion, you can get creative with your toppings. Adding fresh berries, like raspberries or blackberries, will introduce a tart contrast to the dessert’s sweetness. Or, for a more indulgent experience, sprinkle chopped chocolate or toffee bits over the top for extra flavor and texture. You can also serve it with a small glass of dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee, which will complement the dessert’s flavors and enhance the overall experience.
Conclusion:
Easy sticky toffee dessert is a delightful, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to make a classic British dessert. With its rich toffee sauce and moist, date-infused sponge, this dessert delivers comfort and sweetness in every bite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and no complicated techniques.
This recipe embodies the spirit of home-baked goodness warm, inviting, and utterly satisfying. It’s a dessert that will never go out of style and will continue to be a favorite in many households. So, whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or simply enjoying a sweet treat at the end of a meal, Nigella’s easy sticky toffee dessert is sure to bring joy and comfort to all who indulge in it.