Name: Easy Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 8 oz medjool dates (226g), roughly chopped; 1 cup boiling water (240g); ¾ cup boiling milk (180g); 1 tsp baking soda; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g); ½ cup brown sugar (100g); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 large eggs; 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour (162g); ½ cup dutch processed cocoa powder (50g); 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 8 tbsp unsalted butter (113g); ¾ cup brown sugar (150g); 1 cup cream (240g); 1 cup milk (240g); 200g dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa); ½ tsp salt; Optional: 1-2 tbsp cocoa powder; Whipped cream; Vanilla ice cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 292 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible dessert that’s both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make, this Easy Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a luxuriously moist chocolate date cake soaked in a rich, velvety chocolate toffee sauce, blending a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavors and sticky sweetness. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but comes together with ease, making it ideal for a cozy night in or a special gathering with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a single dark brown, smooth and shiny mixture of chocolate batter. Inside the bowl, a wooden spatula with traces of the batter on its pale tip and handle rests diagonally across the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create a wonderfully rich texture and intense flavor. Each element plays a crucial role, from the sticky dates that keep the cake moist to the creamy toffee sauce that brings it all to life.

Medjool dates (8 oz): Naturally sweet and sticky, they provide moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
Boiling water and milk: Helps soften the dates and create a tender crumb in the cake.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Reacts with the acidic dates for the perfect rise and softness.
Unsalted butter (½ cup for cake, 8 tbsp for sauce): Adds richness and a smooth texture throughout.
Brown sugar (½ cup for cake, ¾ cup for sauce): Gives a warm sweetness and sticky consistency.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the chocolate and toffee flavors beautifully.
Eggs (3 large): Bind everything together and help with rise.
All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The backbone of the cake for structure.
Dutch processed cocoa powder (½ cup): Deepens the chocolate flavor with a rich, smooth touch.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp) and salt (1 tsp): Ensure proper texture and balance the sweetness.
Cream and milk (1 cup each for sauce): Make the toffee sauce decadently smooth and creamy.
Dark chocolate (200g): Provides the luscious chocolate hit in the silky sauce.
Optional cocoa powder (1-2 tbsp): For an extra chocolate boost if you’re feeling adventurous.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: The perfect finishing touch for serving.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Soak the Dates

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing your baking pan. Chop the medjool dates roughly and then pour boiling water and milk over them along with the baking soda. Give this a good mix and let it sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes. This soaking step softens the dates perfectly, infusing the pudding with that sticky sweetness and deep flavor that’s essential to this dish.

Step 2: Create the Cake Batter

While the dates soak, whisk together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this is what gives your pudding its buttery richness. Add the eggs and vanilla, continuing to whisk, even if the mixture looks a little separated. Blend the soaked dates into a smooth paste and fold this into your butter mixture. Then sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, folding gently to combine. This careful mixing ensures the batter stays light and airy, setting you up for a moist, tender cake.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the greased pan and bake for about 25 to 28 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached—this means your cake is wonderfully soft inside but fully cooked. Let it cool slightly on the counter while you prepare that dreamy toffee sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up the Chocolate Toffee Sauce

Combine butter, brown sugar, cream, milk, dark chocolate, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir steadily until everything melts together into a glossy, smooth sauce. Feel free to add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder if you want that extra kick of chocolate intensity. Once it thickens just a bit, take it off the heat to keep that perfect pouring consistency.

Step 5: Combine Cake and Sauce

After the cake has rested for 10 minutes, poke holes all over it using a skewer. This little trick lets the sauce seep right in, making every bite irresistibly moist and flavorful. Pour about three-quarters of your chocolate toffee sauce over the cake, reserving the rest for serving. Give the cake around 10 to 20 minutes to soak in all that beautiful sauce magic.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

A square piece of rich dark chocolate cake stands on a white plate, covered in thick, shiny chocolate sauce that drips down the sides. On top of the cake sits a round scoop of smooth white ice cream, creating a pleasing contrast against the dark chocolate. A golden fork lies next to the cake on the edge of the plate. In the background, a second similar plate with the same dessert is slightly blurred. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic for a reason — the creamy coldness balances the rich, warm pudding perfectly. You can also sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top for a trendy salty contrast.

Side Dishes

This pudding stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full dessert experience, consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit compote. The tartness cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing note.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe in individual ramekins for a fancy touch. Alternatively, try layering cake chunks with cream and sauce in clear glasses to make irresistibly elegant trifle-style desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered tightly. The flavors actually deepen, so leftover portions are often even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (without sauce) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding your sauce fresh.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. Pour over reserved or freshly made toffee sauce to restore that perfect stickiness and richness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates?

Medjool dates are preferred for their size and sweetness, but you can substitute with other soft dates. Just be sure to soak them well to get that perfect texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter, milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and coconut cream in place of regular cream for the sauce. The pudding will still be deliciously rich.

How long does this pudding keep once made?

When refrigerated, it stays good for up to 3 days. Just keep it well-covered to maintain moisture and freshness.

Can I prepare the cake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

What’s the best chocolate to use for the sauce?

Choose a good quality dark chocolate around 60-70% cocoa for that perfect bittersweet balance that complements the toffee and cake flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is a guaranteed way to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you. It’s such a comforting dessert that delivers on every level — rich chocolate, sticky sweetness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. So go ahead, grab those simple ingredients, and dive into this decadent treat. Your taste buds will thank you!