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Sticky toffee pudding

17/11/2023

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert, rich and indulgent, known for its soft texture and its distinctive caramel flavor. Let’s see how to prepare a slightly Italianized version of this treat.

Ingredients

For the pudding:

  • 175 g pitted and chopped dates
  • 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
  • 175 ml boiling water
  • 50 g softened butter
  • 140 g light brown sugar (you could use a mix of brown sugar and Muscovado sugar for a more “British” version or just brown sugar for an Italian twist)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 175 g self-raising flour (or plain flour with a teaspoon of baking powder, Italian style)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the toffee sauce:

  • 100 g butter
  • 150 g light brown sugar
  • 225 ml fresh cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and grease a suitable baking dish for the pudding.
  2. Place the dates and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the dates will soften.
  3. In the meantime, in a mixer’s bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, continuing to beat until they are well incorporated.
  5. Incorporate the sifted flour and vanilla, then blend the softened dates (with the water) until smooth and incorporate that as well.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the pudding comes out clean.

While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce:

  1. Dissolve the butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely melted.
  2. Carefully add the fresh cream and vanilla, and continue to cook for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  3. Keep the sauce warm until you are ready to serve the pudding.

Once the pudding is ready, let it cool slightly, then cut it into portions and serve with generous warm toffee sauce poured on top.

Curiosity

Sticky Toffee Pudding is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, to add a touch of freshness that balances the intense sweetness.

As for the Italian version, the addition of vanilla in the dough and in the toffee sauce is a small touch that helps to counteract the sweetness of the caramel with its delicate and classic aroma.