If you have a craving for something decadently sweet yet wonderfully comforting, this Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Perfectly moist, rich with the natural sweetness of dates, and drenched in a luscious, homemade toffee sauce, this duo-sized dessert brings all the joy of a classic British treat without leftovers to worry about. It’s a cozy, intimate dessert that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe just right means having a handful of simple but essential ingredients on hand. Each one plays a starring role, from the tender crumb of the pudding to that silky sauce that ties it all together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the pudding’s soft, tender texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Together, they ensure the pudding rises perfectly, creating a light but moist sponge.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness without overpowering it.
- Unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps create that irresistible toffee sauce.
- Dark brown sugar: Imparts a deep molasses flavor, which is key for that classic sticky toffee taste.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients while contributing to the pudding’s delicate crumb.
- Finely chopped dates: Naturally sweet and chewy—these are the heart of the pudding.
- Boiling water: Softens the dates, helping them blend smoothly into the batter.
- Vanilla extract: A few drops elevate all the flavors, making the pudding smell heavenly.
- Heavy cream: Essential for a rich, creamy toffee sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ramekins
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 6-ounce ramekins or small baking dishes. This sets the stage for perfectly shaped individual puddings that bake evenly.
Step 2: Soak and Mash the Dates
Place the finely chopped dates in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, softening them up nicely, then mash into a thick, sweet paste. This step is key for infusing the batter with luscious, natural sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional cinnamon in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution and a tender crumb in the finished pudding.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process creates the perfect base for your pudding by trapping air and contributing to its soft texture.
Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. These ingredients help bind all the flavors and moisture together for a rich cake batter.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, taking care not to overmix—just combine until smooth and uniform.
Step 7: Incorporate the Date Paste
Stir in the mashed dates, ensuring every bite has that signature sticky toffee charm. The paste mingles beautifully with the batter to create a moist, flavorful sponge.
Step 8: Fill Ramekins
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full. This allows room for the pudding to rise without spilling over.
Step 9: Bake the Puddings
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The puddings should spring back lightly to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let the puddings cool slightly as you prepare the toffee sauce.
Step 10: Make the Toffee Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter before adding brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and bubbly, about 3 to 4 minutes. This sauce is the heart of the Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe’s ultimate indulgence.
Step 11: Soak the Puddings
Once baked, poke a few holes in the top of each pudding with a fork and spoon half of the warm toffee sauce over each one, letting it soak in deeply. This part guarantees every bite is beautifully moist and sticky.
Step 12: Serve Warm
Finish by serving the puddings straight from the ramekins, pouring over any remaining toffee sauce, and—if you like—a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this comforting dessert.
How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a scattering of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, add delightful crunch and contrast to the rich, sticky texture. Freshly chopped mint or a light dusting of cinnamon can brighten up the presentation while enhancing the comforting flavors.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe shines as a stand-alone treat, but pairing it with a creamy vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream is an absolute classic. For something extra cozy, a hot cup of strong tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pudding directly in elegant ramekins for a rustic feel, or turn them out onto individual plates topped with toffee drizzle and garnishes. For a special occasion, add a shard of caramelized sugar or even a fresh berry topping to elevate this humble dessert into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle there are leftovers from your Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding will stay moist and flavorful, and you can reheat gently without losing any of its delicious charm.
Freezing
You can freeze these individually baked puddings before adding the toffee sauce. After they cool completely, wrap each ramekin in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to airtight freezer-safe containers. Frozen puddings will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw effortlessly when refrigerated overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pudding and sauce either in the oven at a low temperature or gently in the microwave until piping hot. Adding a little extra sauce or a splash of cream before reheating helps revive that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I make the pudding without dates?
The dates are what give this pudding its signature texture and sweetness, so they’re pretty essential. However, if you’re not a fan, finely chopped prunes or raisins can work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of a regular egg. Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the toffee sauce to keep that luxurious richness intact.
What type of dates are best to use?
Medjool dates are ideal because they’re naturally soft and sweet, making them perfect for soaking and mashing into the pudding batter. If you only have firmer dates, soaking them a bit longer in boiling water will soften them sufficiently.
Can I make this pudding in a larger dish for more servings?
Absolutely! You can scale up the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, but keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take longer to cook through. Using ramekins is great for portion control and personalized servings.
How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown top that springs back when lightly pressed. The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it—no wet batter.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe is truly a gem when you’re in the mood for an indulgent dessert designed for sharing—or savoring solo without worrying about leftovers. With its incredible blend of sticky sweetness, tender crumb, and buttery toffee sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to whip this up and experience the cozy magic firsthand!
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Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two is a rich and indulgent dessert perfect for sharing. Featuring a moist date-infused cake baked to perfection and drenched in a luscious homemade toffee sauce, this classic British treat is served warm and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. With simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process, this recipe is ideal for a cozy dessert night for two.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup finely chopped dates (about 4–5 dates, pitted)
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Toffee Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-ounce ramekins or small baking dishes thoroughly to prevent sticking, then set them aside.
- Soak and Mash Dates: Place the finely chopped dates in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften, then mash the dates with a fork or spoon into a thick paste. Set aside this paste for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spice.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This will help incorporate air and create a tender texture in the pudding.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully combined and smooth, which helps bind the ingredients and adds flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the pudding tender.
- Incorporate Date Paste: Fold the mashed date paste into the batter evenly, ensuring the fruity richness is well distributed throughout.
- Fill Ramekins: Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the Puddings: Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the toffee sauce.
- Prepare Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the dark brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce becomes smooth and bubbly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Soak Puddings in Sauce: Once cooled slightly, poke several holes in the top of each pudding with a fork. Pour about half of the warm toffee sauce over each pudding, allowing it to soak in and infuse extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Serve the puddings warm, topped with the remaining toffee sauce. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Ensure the dates are finely chopped to create a smooth paste that blends well into the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the pudding tender and moist.
- Using room temperature butter makes creaming easier and results in a lighter texture.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Ramekin sizes may vary; adjust baking time slightly if using larger or smaller dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
