If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe is an absolute treasure to have up your sleeve. It’s the perfect blend of tender, moist sponge loaded with sweet, caramelized dates, and a luscious, buttery toffee sauce that seeps into every nook and cranny. Best of all, it’s scaled perfectly for two—a cozy treat to share with someone special or simply to enjoy all by yourself without any guilt or waste. Get ready for a dessert experience that’s simple, soulful, and utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s building the rich cake texture, adding warm, inviting flavors, or crafting that decadent toffee drizzle that makes this dessert shine.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the pudding rise for the perfect fluffiness.
- Baking soda: Works with the dates to enhance tenderness.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warm spice that complements the dates.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Delivers richness and moisture to the pudding.
- Dark brown sugar: Infuses that deep, caramel sweetness central to sticky toffee pudding.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds lightness.
- Finely chopped dates: The heart of the pudding, offering chewy bursts of sweetness.
- Boiling water: Soaks the dates, softening them for a luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both batter and sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky toffee sauce that’s impossible to resist.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Soak the Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two small ramekins. In a small bowl, soak those finely chopped dates in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then mash them into a thick paste—this is key for that classic sticky texture and natural sweetness.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
While the dates soak, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon, if you’re using it. This mix forms the base dry ingredients that will give your pudding just the right rise and subtle spice kick.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the batter, resulting in a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It also brings out the deep molasses flavor in the brown sugar.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re fully incorporated. This helps bind the batter and adds a lovely aroma that’s signature to this dessert.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the pudding tough, so be gentle here.
Step 6: Incorporate Date Paste
Stir the mashed date paste into the batter evenly. The dates add moisture and that wonderful sticky sweetness that defines this dessert.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter between your ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The pudding should be gorgeously soft and slightly springy to the touch.
Step 8: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the puddings bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbling. This luscious sauce is what transforms the pudding into a sticky toffee masterpiece.
Step 9: Soak and Serve
Once out of the oven, poke holes in the puddings with a fork and pour half of the warm toffee sauce over each one, letting it soak in deeply. Serve immediately for the ultimate warm, gooey experience.
How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess beautifully contrasts with the warm pudding and the rich toffee sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and temperatures.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best on its own, but a simple cup of strong coffee or a light herbal tea pairs wonderfully to cleanse the palate between bites. This allows the sticky toffee flavors to take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, sprinkle toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. You can also drizzle a little extra toffee sauce decoratively on the plate or serve the pudding in a hollowed-out orange peel for an inviting, rustic look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe, cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors only deepen, but be sure to reheat gently to keep the pudding moist.
Freezing
You can freeze the individual puddings (without the toffee sauce) in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating
Reheat puddings gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through. Pour over warmed toffee sauce again, so the dessert is just as indulgent as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without dates?
While dates are traditional and provide that iconic sweetness and texture, you could substitute dried figs or prunes soaked and mashed similarly, but the flavor profile will be a bit different.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative in the toffee sauce. The pudding will still be deliciously sticky and rich.
How can I tell when the pudding is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. The pudding should also spring back lightly when touched.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?
Absolutely! You can bake the puddings a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and then warm them with fresh toffee sauce just before serving for a stress-free entertaining option.
What is the best way to get the toffee sauce extra thick?
Simmer the sauce a few minutes longer, stirring constantly until it thickens to your liking. Just be careful not to burn the sugar; medium heat and close attention are key.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe is a true delight that brings cozy comfort and sweet joy to any day. It’s easy enough to whip up on a whim but feels special enough for a celebration. I hope you share this lovely, sticky creation with someone you love or savor it all yourself—either way, a warm, saucy hug awaits. Now, go ahead and treat yourself—you absolutely deserve it!
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Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe is perfectly portioned for two, featuring a moist date-infused cake baked in ramekins and topped with a rich, buttery toffee sauce. Served warm, it’s an indulgent dessert perfect for sharing, with options to add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra decadence.
Ingredients
Pudding
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- â…› tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- â…“ cup finely chopped dates (about 4–5 dates, pitted)
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toffee Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- â…“ 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 and set them aside to dry.
- Soak and Mash Dates: Place the chopped dates into a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften, then mash into a thick paste using a fork or spoon. Set this paste aside for later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon (if using) until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using a whisk or electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the dark brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Incorporate Date Paste: Fold the soaked and mashed date paste into the batter until evenly distributed, creating a sticky and moist texture.
- 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 sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let the puddings cool slightly.
- Prepare Toffee Sauce: While the puddings bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the dark brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, thickened, and bubbling, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour Sauce Over Puddings: After baking, gently poke several holes in the top of each pudding with a fork to allow the sauce to seep in. Pour about half of the toffee sauce evenly over each pudding, letting it soak deeply.
- Serve Warm: Serve the sticky toffee puddings warm, accompanied by the remaining toffee sauce. Optionally, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent touch.
Notes
- Using finely chopped dates soaked in boiling water ensures the pudding is moist and flavorful.
- You can skip the cinnamon if you prefer a traditional flavor profile.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the pudding tender.
- Ramekins of 6-ounce capacity are ideal for individual servings.
- The toffee sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives.
- Serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream enhances the dessert’s richness.
