Sticky Toffee Pudding is a delightful treat that combines simplicity in preparation with a luxurious taste. This recipe, followed by the iconic Delia Smith, transforms everyday ingredients into an extraordinary dessert. It’s a versatile dish, equally suitable for a quiet family dinner or a grand festive occasion. Beyond its rich, sweet flavors and soft texture, this pudding is also practical for those with a busy lifestyle, thanks to its make-ahead and freeze capabilities. This article takes you through a journey of creating this timeless dessert, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that is both satisfying and surprisingly straightforward.
Why You Should Try This Recipe?
This Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe is a must-try for several compelling reasons. First, it’s a classic dessert that never fails to impress, with its rich, sweet flavor and moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fancy gathering. The recipe is straightforward and forgiving, ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Additionally, its ability to be prepared in advance and frozen makes it a convenient option for busy schedules. Lastly, the joy and satisfaction of serving a homemade, heartwarming dessert like this are simply unmatched. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe promises to deliver delightful results.
How To Make Delia Smith’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe Overview
This Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. It’s an ideal choice for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The total cooking time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and this recipe generously serves 8 people. The beauty of this dessert lies not only in its exquisite taste but also in its convenience – the puddings can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated with ease, ensuring they retain their delectable texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ teaspoons coffee essence
- 8 oz (225 g) stoned dates, chopped
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 oz (175 g) caster sugar
- 1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 4 oz (100 g) butter, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 8 oz (225 g) self-raising flour, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped dates with 275 ml of boiling water. Stir in the vanilla extract, coffee essence, and bicarbonate of soda.
- Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Gently fold in the sifted flour, then add the date mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pudding is well-risen and firm.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. For reheating, defrost if frozen, pour hot sauce over, and warm in the oven.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (approximately):
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 210 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 40 g
Also Try: Delia Smith Yorkshire Pudding Recipe: A Flawless Classic
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely, you can switch up the sugar in this recipe. Caster sugar is ideal for its fine texture, but granulated sugar works just fine too. It might slightly change the texture, but the taste remains delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using brown sugar. It adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor that complements the toffee perfectly. Just remember, the key is to enjoy the process and savor the result, no matter the sugar you choose!
Is there an alternative to coffee essence?
Certainly! If you don’t have coffee essence, no worries. Strong brewed coffee is a great substitute. Just brew it really strong to match the intensity of coffee essence. Another option is instant coffee granules dissolved in a tiny bit of hot water. Both choices will still give your sticky toffee pudding that rich, coffee-infused flavor. It’s all about making do with what you have and still creating something delicious. Enjoy your baking!
How do I store the pudding?
Storing your sticky toffee pudding is easy. Once it’s cooled down, put it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Planning to save it for later? Wrap it well and freeze it. It stays good in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just defrost and reheat. This way, you can have a delightful dessert ready whenever you fancy!
What’s the best way to serve it?
The best way to serve sticky toffee pudding is warm. It brings out its rich, gooey goodness. Drizzle it with some toffee sauce – that’s a classic! For an extra touch of indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream melting into the warm pudding creates a delightful contrast. Or, you could go for a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter option. It’s all about that warm pudding with a sweet, creamy complement. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe is a testament to the fact that impressive desserts don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply craving something sweet and comforting, this pudding is sure to satisfy you. The ease with which it can be prepared ahead and reheated makes it a practical choice for busy times, without compromising on taste. Give it a try, and let the compliments roll in!
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe Delia Smith
Looking to whip up an impressive dessert? Follow our step-by-step recipe guide to Delia Smith's Sticky Toffee Pudding. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to delight
- 2 ½ teaspoons coffee essence
- 8 oz 225 g stoned dates, chopped
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 oz 175 g caster sugar
- 1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 4 oz 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 8 oz 225 g self-raising flour, sifted
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped dates with 275 ml of boiling water. Stir in the vanilla extract, coffee essence, and bicarbonate of soda.
- Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Gently fold in the sifted flour, then add the date mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pudding is well-risen and firm.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. For reheating, defrost if frozen, pour hot sauce over, and warm in the oven.
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