Il Cucinologo
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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 distinctive caramel flavor. Let’s see how to prepare a slightly Italianized version of this delight.

Ingredients

For the pudding:

  • 175 g pitted and chopped dates
  • 1 teaspoon baking 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 “brit” version or just brown sugar for an Italian touch)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 175 g self-raising flour (or 00 flour with a teaspoon of baking powder, Italian-style)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the toffee sauce:

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

Preparation

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

While the pudding is in the oven, prepare the toffee sauce:

  1. Melt the butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  2. Carefully add the fresh cream and vanilla, and continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  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 plenty of warm toffee sauce poured over the top.

Trivia

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

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