![The best Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe served on a plate with a golden spoon.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2048 1365"></svg>)
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Hi Bold Bakers!
Steamed puddings are very common desserts in Ireland and England, and I’m really glad more and more people are showing an interest in them! It breaks my heart to know that some people have never known the joy of my Steamed Sticky Toffee Pudding!
Like my other steamed puddings, this sticky toffee pudding is super moist because this type of cake is made by steaming, adding lots of moisture. The oven, which uses dry heat, can dry out other types of cake..
And this one really takes the cake. (Am I still allowed to use that joke? I’m sure I’ve made it before! Indulge me—then we can get on to indulging on this cake!) My homemade steamed sticky toffee pudding is drizzled in a delicious caramel sauce, and the flavors just get better and better as you let the cake rest.
You will need some special equipment, which I’ll go over below, to create this steamed pudding, but I do hope you give it a chance! This is also one of my Bold Baking Worldwide recipes, where I’m launching a recipe from around the globe each Monday this year! Check out last week’s South American Alfajores.
What Is Steamed Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Steamed sticky toffee pudding isn’t what Americans would typically think of when they hear the word “pudding.” Rather, it’s a traditional British dessert that is essentially a steamed cake, which means it is super moist, served with a warm sauce.
![Sticky Toffee Pudding looking extra sticky.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1365 2048"></svg> "Steamed Sticky Toffee Pudding is a simple way to make a classic treat.")
What You Need To Make Steamed Sticky Toffee Pudding
How Do You Make Steamed Sticky Toffee Pudding
Despite a longer list of equipment I usually write recipes for, making steamed sticky toffee pudding is very easy! If you’re a bit nervous, be sure to check out my How to Steam a Christmas Pudding, where I break down the steps even further (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below).
- Place a steamer tray in a large pot and pour water into the pot until it reaches the base of the steamer. Place the lid on it and set it aside for later.
- Generously butter a medium 1.4-liter pudding basin and also put it aside.
- In a small saucepan, bring the dates and water to a boil over medium/low heat. Once they start to simmer, turn the heat down and continue simmering for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dates are soft.
- Remove the date mixture from the heat and add in baking soda. It will fizzle up.
- Blend the date mix until it is a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or an immersion blender. Set the date paste aside to cool down slightly.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy. You can do this by hand or by using an electric hand mixer.
- Stir in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla until they are fully incorporated. Then, fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Lastly, pour in the cooled dates and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pudding basin. Cover it with a circle of parchment paper, then foil. Tie a string around the top to move the pudding easier. (Again, if this is a bit confusing, check out my How to Steam a Christmas Pudding for step by step photos.)
- Put your pot over medium-low heat and allow the water to simmer.
- Place your pudding basin into the pot and cover with the lid. Steam the pudding for about 2 hours or until it is firm to the touch. (While steaming, keep an eye on your pudding and top off the pot with boiling water as it will evaporate.)
- Turn the pudding out onto a serving platter and enjoy with my Spiced Rum Sauce and whipped cream!
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Be sure the pits are removed from the dates. Even when you buy pitted dates, sometimes they sneak by.
- Serve with my Spiced Rum Sauce or my Signature Salted Caramel Sauce. Make the sauces in bulk. They keep for months in the fridge.
- Make the steamed pudding the day before you need it. The flavors just get better as they sit overnight.
- Don’t be shy using the salt and vanilla extract! They add so much flavor.
- Need tips on steaming puddings? Check out my post How to Steam a Christmas Pudding.
- While steaming your pudding, be sure to top up the pot with boiling water as it does evaporate while steaming.
How Do I Store Steamed Sticky Toffee Pudding?
You can store any leftover steamed sticky toffee pudding in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. These puddings also freeze really well and will last for up to 4 weeks in the freezer!
Make More Pudding Recipes!
And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!
Full (and printable) recipe below!