If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug, then you absolutely need to try this Irresistibly Indulgent Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe. This classic British pudding is the perfect symphony of rich, moist cake studded with soft dates, drenched in an aromatic, buttery toffee sauce that’s both sticky and sweet. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any ordinary day into a special occasion, delivering comfort and decadence with every forkful. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress friends and family, this recipe brings the magic of Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen right into your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Irresistibly Indulgent Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavors. Each item plays a vital role — from the tender dates that provide natural sweetness and texture, to the light brown sugar that infuses the dish with rich caramel notes.
- Chopped Dates (1 cup): Ensure they are soft for best results, as they create the pudding’s signature moist texture.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This helps soften the dates and gives the pudding its airy rise.
- Boiling Water (1 cup): Activates the baking soda and tenderizes the dates for a luscious crumb.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and a smooth batter.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds the perfect sweetness and enhances the sticky toffee glaze.
- Large Egg (1): Provides structure and richness without weighing down the cake.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Sifted for lightness to keep the pudding tender yet substantial.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle rise for a fluffy, moist pudding.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a velvety, luxurious toffee sauce that coats every bite.
- Corn Syrup (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness while preventing the sauce from crystallizing, keeping it glossy.
- Kosher Salt (pinch): Balances the rich sweetness of the toffee sauce perfectly.
- Bourbon (2 tablespoons – optional): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor beautifully.
How to Make Irresistibly Indulgent Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Dates
Start by placing your chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl, then pour over one cup of boiling water. Let this mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. This simple step softens the dates beautifully, breaking them down to melt into the pudding, while the baking soda reacts to lighten the texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
While the dates soak, cream your room temperature unsalted butter with the light brown sugar until you achieve a light, fluffy texture. This is key because it ensures your pudding will be tender and airy. Then, beat in the large egg, one at a time, mixing just until combined to preserve that lightness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gently fold this into your creamed butter mixture. This folding technique keeps your batter light, making sure your pudding doesn’t turn dense or heavy.
Step 4: Add the Dates
Once the dates have cooled slightly but remain soft, fold them along with their soaking liquid into the batter. The soaked dates bring moisture and a natural caramelized sweetness, making each slice wonderfully tender and sticky.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point is pure magic, filling your kitchen with hints of caramel and warm spices.
Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the pudding bakes, create your luscious toffee sauce by combining heavy cream, corn syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a saucepan. Warm gently until thickened and glossy, then stir in the bourbon if using. This sauce is the heart of the dish — sticky, shiny, and packed with flavor.
Step 7: Pour and Serve
The moment of truth! Once the pudding is out of the oven, poke holes all over with a skewer or fork, then generously pour the warm toffee sauce over the top. The sauce seeps into every nook and cranny, creating that irresistibly gooey finish that makes this dessert so addictive.
How to Serve Irresistibly Indulgent Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your sticky toffee pudding with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold creaminess beautifully contrasts with the warm, sticky pudding, adding an extra layer of indulgence. For a final touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon for subtle crunch and aroma.
Side Dishes
This luscious dessert pairs well with a simple cup of black coffee or a robust glass of dessert wine. If you want to extend the meal, try it alongside a light, citrusy salad to cut through the richness and cleanse your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or jars topped with edible gold flakes for a bit of sparkle. Or try layering cubes of the pudding with whipped cream and rosemary-infused caramel sauce in a clear glass for a stunning trifle experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your sticky toffee pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making day-old pudding just as delightful, if not more, than freshly baked.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire pudding tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by microwaving a slice for about 1-2 minutes or warming the entire pudding in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Don’t forget to pour some extra warmed toffee sauce over the top to revive its signature stickiness!
FAQs
Can I use dates that aren’t soft?
It’s best to use soft dates or soak them well in boiling water as directed. Hard or dry dates won’t break down properly, which affects the pudding’s texture. If your dates are hard, soaking them longer will help.
Is bourbon necessary in the toffee sauce?
Bourbon adds wonderful depth and warmth to the sauce, but it’s entirely optional. You can omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a different but equally lovely flavor.
Can I make this pudding gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for the best results.
How long does this pudding keep after baking?
Stored properly in the fridge, the pudding is best enjoyed within 3 days. Beyond that, the texture can start to change, though the flavors remain rich.
What else can I serve with this sticky toffee pudding?
Besides whipped cream and ice cream, try fresh berries or a simple fruit compote to add a tart contrast. A sprinkle of toasted nuts adds crunch and a lovely nutty flavor to balance the sweet sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warmth and comfort cradled in this Irresistibly Indulgent Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe. Once you master it, you’ll have a go-to dessert that’s perfect for cozy nights, celebrations, or any time you want to spoil yourself and loved ones. Trust me, this pudding will quickly become one of your favorite indulgences, so gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the sticky, toffee-coated happiness in every bite!
Print
Irresistibly Indulgent Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Indulge in the classic British dessert of sticky toffee pudding with this irresistible recipe inspired by Gordon Ramsay. Featuring soft chopped dates in a moist sponge cake, drenched in a rich, velvety toffee sauce made with heavy cream and brown sugar, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. The optional bourbon adds a subtle warmth, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pudding
- 1 cup Chopped Dates (Ensure they are soft for best results.)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Helps soften dates and leaven the pudding.)
- 1 cup Boiling Water (Activates the baking soda and softens the dates.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Use room temperature for easy creaming.)
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (Sweetens the pudding and contributes to its gooey texture.)
- 1 large Egg (Adds structure and richness to the batter.)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Sifting is necessary for lightness.)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Acts as a leavening agent.)
For the Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Gives a velvety finish to the sauce.)
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup (Adds sweetness and prevents crystallization.)
- 1 pinch Kosher Salt (Balances the sweetness in the toffee.)
- 2 tablespoons Bourbon (Optional for added depth.)
Instructions
- Soften the Dates: Place the chopped dates and baking soda into a bowl, then pour over the boiling water. Stir and let this mixture soak for about 10 minutes until the dates are soft and plump.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until light, creamy, and fluffy, which helps build air into the batter for a light texture.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg to the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring it adds richness and structure to the pudding.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the butter mixture, then fold gently to maintain lightness in the batter while evenly distributing the leavening.
- Mix Date Mixture Into Batter: Fold the softened dates and soaking liquid into the batter, combining them thoroughly but gently to create a moist sponge base filled with flavor-packed dates.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or individual pudding molds, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish or molds.
- Bake the Pudding: Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the pudding is risen and golden on the surface.
- Make the Toffee Sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine the heavy cream, corn syrup, kosher salt, and bourbon (if using) in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Once baked, poke holes in the pudding and pour some of the warm toffee sauce over, allowing it to soak in. Serve the pudding warm with extra toffee sauce on the side for drizzling.
Notes
- For best results, use soft dates or soak them a little longer if they are tough.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon from the toffee sauce.
- The toffee sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
- Sifting the flour is important to achieve a lighter texture in the pudding.
- Serve the pudding with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
