6 Individual Sticky Toffee Puddings: UK's No1 Dessert
The Puddings
The Brandy Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Stone and Chop Dates
Start by stoning all the dates. Once stoned, cut all the dates into small pieces.
Simmer Dates
Add 200ml of water to a deep saucepan. Bring to a slow, low boil. Once boiling, add the chopped dates to the water. Stir well and bring back to a boil. Cover the pan, turn down the heat, and for to tenderize the dates.
Add Bicarbonate of Soda
Once the timer is up, add 4g (1 tsp) of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to the dates. Stir vigorously; the mixture will fizz up. Once the reaction eases off, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and allow it to cool completely.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Add 60g (2oz) of soft butter to a mixing bowl. Add 140g (5oz) of granulated sugar and blend them together with a spatula at first. Once soft and smooth, switch to a hand or electric and beat for .
Add Vanilla and Eggs
Add 3ml (½ tsp) of vanilla extract and it in. Now add 2 large room temperature beaten eggs. for to incorporate as much air as possible.
Fold in Flour and Baking Powder
Sift in 170g (6oz) of plain or all-purpose flour and 4g (1 tsp) of baking powder. Gently fold the mixture together with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to knock out the air.
Combine Date Mixture
Once your butter mixture is nice and smooth, add the now cooled date mixture. Gently fold that in too. Once happy with it, cover your bowl and let that rest for .
Prepare Pudding Bowls
These are the bowls that will be used for this recipe. Grease them with a little butter.
Fill Pudding Bowls
Spoon the batter into the bowls, filling them to about 13mm (half an inch) from the top. Give each bowl a few taps on the bench to level the batter and release any large air bubbles. Top up with more batter if needed and tap again.
Preheat Oven and Bake Puddings
Preheat your oven to 160°C (approximately 320°F) (320°F (approximately 160°C)) / Gas mark 3. Get the filled pudding bowls into the preheated oven. Give those on your timer.
Make Brandy Sauce
Add 270ml of double/heavy cream to a bowl, followed by 6ml (1 tsp) of vanilla extract. Next to go in is the tablespoon of brandy (or whiskey if preferred). Finally, add 12g (2 tsp) of powdered or icing sugar. Grab a hand or electric and beat until the cream starts to thicken. Once the consistency is like this, it's done. Get it covered and into the fridge until you need it.
Check and Cool Puddings
Time's up on these amazing puddings. Test one with a cocktail stick or wooden skewer. If it comes out clean, it's done. If not, bake it for a further . Remove the puddings from the oven and let them sit on a wire rack for before removing them from the pudding tins.
Remove Puddings from Tins
Time to get them out of the tins. If you greased the tin properly, they should pop straight out. They are looking fantastic.
Serve Puddings
To serve these, get them on a nice dessert plate with a few raspberries on the side and plenty of that brandy sauce. If you made them in advance, just pop them in the microwave for before serving to take the chill off.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 6 swaps
No All-purpose flour?
- White whole wheat flour (1:1)
- 1 cup minus 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch (cake flour swap)
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Vanilla extract?
- Maple syrup (1:1)
- Vanilla bean: 1 inch scraped (per 1 tsp extract)
No Baking powder?
- 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (per 1 tsp)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 cup buttermilk (replace some liquid)
No Egg?
- 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (rest 5 min) — Per egg, best in baking.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce — Per egg, in sweet baked goods.
- 1/4 cup silken tofu, blended — Per egg.
No Heavy cream?
- 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup melted butter — Good for sauces, not whipping.
- Equal parts evaporated milk
- Full-fat coconut milk (1:1) — Adds mild coconut flavor.
Plan Ahead
Complete this step earlier to save time later.
- View Step 14Serve Puddings0 minutes
To serve these, get them on a nice dessert plate with a few raspberries on the side and plenty of that brandy sauce. If you made them in advance, just pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds before serving to take the chill off.
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Use whiskey instead of brandy in the sauceIngredient swap
- Omit alcohol for a Chantilly cream sauce
- Serve with ice cream orIngredient swap
Serve with ice cream or custard instead of brandy sauce.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
Your Notes
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