Sticky, rich, and absolutely irresistible, the Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is a classic British dessert that's perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. This pudding boasts moist, tender sponge studded with sweet dates, all drenched in glossy, warm toffee sauce. You'll find it's just the kind of comforting treat that brings everyone together around the table.
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Why This Recipe Works
I love how this sticky toffee pudding recipe balances a luscious, moist texture with deeply caramelized flavors - thanks to the perfectly soaked dates and the rich toffee sauce. It's straightforward enough for everyday baking, yet impressive enough to serve guests with confidence.
- Consistent Texture: The dates soaked in hot water and baking soda create an incredibly tender sponge that keeps well.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: The toffee sauce merges brown sugar and butter with cream and vanilla, delivering silky richness without overpowering sweetness.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry basics combined with a handful of fresh ingredients make this recipe approachable and fuss-free.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: You'll spend less than half an hour prepping and then enjoy a truly decadent dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredient Game Plan
When gathering ingredients for the Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe, focus on quality and freshness to let each flavor shine. Good dates and real butter truly elevate the end result, and fresh eggs will give the sponge the right rise and silkiness.
- Dates: Use soft, plump pitted dates for maximum moisture and natural sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds depth and molasses notes important for the toffee sauce.
- Butter: Unsalted and softened butter controls salt balance and creaming texture.
- Double Cream: Full-fat cream makes the toffee sauce luxuriously rich and smooth.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by pouring boiling water over your chopped dates, then sprinkle in the baking soda. You'll notice the mixture starts to soften and bubble after about 20 minutes - this step breaks down the dates and gives the pudding a wonderfully vibrant texture. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your baking dish to get everything ready.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Next, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture feels light and fluffy under your beaters - this aeration is key to a tender sponge. Beat in the eggs one at a time with the vanilla extract, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then gently fold in your soaked dates alongside the flour, baking powder, and salt. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter silky but not dense.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean but the pudding still feels springy to the touch - this means it's moist inside, perfectly cooked. While it bakes, melt together the toffee sauce ingredients over low heat, stirring gently until glossy and combined. Once your pudding rests briefly after baking, drizzle it generously with warm toffee sauce to finish.
Pro Moves I Swear By
From experience, the magic is in timing and texture. Here's what I've learned to get that bakery-quality sticky toffee pudding every time - no stress.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a golden brown top with edges pulling slightly away from the pan.
- Temperature Trick: Keep your oven steady at 180°C for even rising without drying out the sponge.
- Make-Ahead Move: The pudding actually tastes better the next day after soaking up the toffee sauce overnight.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't rush folding the dry ingredients; gentle incorporation keeps your pudding tender.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I like serving the Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe warm, drizzled with that luxuriously thick toffee sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream adds just the right cool contrast to the sticky sweetness, rounding out each bite beautifully. You'll see how that toffee sauce coats each forkful, inviting you back for more.
Great Pairings
For balance, try light accompaniments like fresh berries or sliced apples that offer a bright, fruity counterpoint. A cup of strong coffee or black tea with a hint of spice complements the richness perfectly, making this dessert ideal for relaxing weekends or dinner parties.
Easy Plating Wins
Slice the pudding into generous squares or wedges, spoon the toffee sauce over the top, and garnish with a sprig of mint or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a simple but elegant touch. For weeknight dinners, just a ramekin with a scoop of ice cream is totally satisfying and fuss-free.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pudding in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture stays nice and moist, with the toffee sauce infusing more into the sponge over time-making leftovers even more flavorful.
Freezer Notes
This pudding freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep well for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm before serving.
Reheating Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe Without Drying Out
Whether you use a microwave, oven, or air fryer, adding a little extra toffee sauce or a splash of cream before reheating helps maintain that sticky moisture. In the oven, cover loosely with foil at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes, and in the microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously moist.
You can use prunes or dried figs as a substitute; soak them similarly to soften, but be aware the flavor will change subtly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with extra sauce to maintain moisture.
Yes, you can prepare the batter and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking, or bake ahead and warm with toffee sauce when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe might look simple, but it's a dessert that truly rewards your effort with its deep flavors and unbeatable texture. Whether you're making this for a casual family night or a festive occasion, its warmth and sweetness will bring a little extra comfort into your kitchen. Give yourself permission to savor every rich bite-you deserve it.
PrintComplete Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Gordon Ramsay's Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert featuring a moist date cake drenched in a rich, buttery toffee sauce. This indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings, combining deep caramel flavors with a soft, tender texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pudding
- 200g pitted dates, chopped
- 250ml boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toffee Sauce
- 150g brown sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 200ml double cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the pudding.
- Soak dates: In a bowl, pour the boiling water over the chopped dates and add the baking soda. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced aroma.
- Combine ingredients: Fold the soaked date mixture, plain flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare baking dish: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth the top evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake pudding: Bake for 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the pudding is cooked through.
- Make toffee sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine brown sugar, butter, and double cream in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until melted and well combined, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve: Allow the pudding to cool slightly once baked. Serve warm with the toffee sauce generously drizzled over the top for a decadent finish.
Notes
- For extra richness, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Ensure the dates are well soaked to soften them fully and enhance the pudding's moistness.
- You can prepare the pudding batter ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Use a non-stick or well-greased baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Double cream can be substituted with heavy cream if double cream is unavailable.
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