Ah, Christmas desserts! There’s something truly magical about them, isn’t there? The way they fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of spices and sweetness, making every gathering feel extra special. One of my absolute favorites is the Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding. It’s rich, moist, and just oozes holiday cheer with its decadent toffee sauce. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the joy on their faces as they dug into that warm pudding was priceless! It’s now a treasured tradition in our home, bringing everyone together, sharing stories, and savoring every sticky, sweet bite. Trust me, once you get a taste of this festive delight, you’ll understand why it deserves a spot on your holiday table!
Ingredients for Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 200g dried dates, chopped (the star ingredient that adds moisture and sweetness)
- 250ml boiling water (for soaking those dates to perfection)
- 100g unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for easy mixing)
- 100g brown sugar (this gives that rich, caramel-like flavor)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature works best for a smooth batter)
- 200g self-raising flour (for that lovely rise and texture)
- 1 tsp baking powder (just in case you want a little extra lift)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (to enhance all those wonderful flavors)
- 100g chopped nuts (optional, but they add a delightful crunch)
For the sauce:
- 200g brown sugar (for the ultimate sticky sweetness)
- 200ml double cream (oh yes, this makes it luxuriously creamy)
- 100g unsalted butter (to help it all come together beautifully)
How to Prepare Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
Preheat and Soak
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 160°C (320°F). This ensures your pudding bakes evenly and comes out just right. While that’s warming up, grab those chopped dates and toss them into a bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step is super important! Soaking the dates makes them plump and juicy, which adds moisture to the pudding and keeps it rich and delicious.
Make the Batter
Now, in a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Oh, this is where it starts to smell heavenly! Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in those soaked dates along with their soaking water—trust me, all that sticky goodness is going to enhance the flavor. Next, sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the mixture. Here’s a tip: gently fold the flour in using a spatula, so you don’t lose all that lovely air you just whipped in. If you’re adding nuts, now’s the time to mix them in too!
Prepare for Steaming
Carefully pour your batter into a greased pudding basin, ensuring it’s filled about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Cover the top with a piece of parchment paper, securing it with string or a rubber band. This helps keep the water out while steaming. Place the pudding basin in a large pot filled with boiling water—just make sure the water comes halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam it for a solid 1.5 hours. The aroma wafting through your kitchen during this time is simply divine!
Create the Toffee Sauce
While your pudding is steaming, let’s whip up that irresistible toffee sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar and double cream. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce thickens slightly—about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to burn! Once it’s all smooth and glossy, remove it from the heat and let it sit until you’re ready to serve. Just imagine drizzling that warm sauce over your pudding—yum!
Nutritional Information for Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
As with any delicious recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, consider these estimates as a guide rather than strict rules. Here’s a typical breakdown for one slice of this delightful Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
So, if you’re indulging this holiday season, you can savor every sticky, sweet bite knowing a bit about what you’re enjoying!
Tips for Success with Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
- Soak those dates: Make sure to soak the dates long enough—10 minutes is key! This not only softens them but infuses your pudding with extra moisture and flavor.
- Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them blend seamlessly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Don’t rush the creaming: Take your time when creaming the butter and sugar. The fluffier the mixture, the lighter your pudding will be!
- Gentle folding: When you’re incorporating the flour, fold gently to avoid deflating that beautiful air you’ve whipped into the batter.
- Steam evenly: Ensure the water in the pot is boiling before you start steaming the pudding. Keep the water level halfway up the basin for consistent cooking.
- Check for doneness: A skewer inserted into the pudding should come out clean when it’s done. If it’s not ready, give it a little more time!
- Make-ahead magic: You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and steam it just before serving. This helps the flavors develop even more!
- Serve warm: For the best experience, serve the pudding warm with that luscious toffee sauce drizzled generously on top. Add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Variations of Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of fun variations you can try with this Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding! Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Nutty Delight: Swap out the chopped nuts for your favorites! Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts can bring a new texture and flavor to the pudding.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the festive season.
- Chocolate Twist: Fold in some dark chocolate chunks or cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey version that’s sure to impress any chocoholic.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the pudding.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or raisins for added sweetness and a pop of color.
- Caramelized Bananas: Slice and fold in some ripe bananas before steaming for a deliciously moist pudding with a hint of banana flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to adjust the baking powder accordingly!
Feel free to mix and match these variations; the only limit is your imagination! Each twist will give your Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding its own unique charm. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding properly is key to enjoying those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any pudding left after your festive feast (though I doubt it!), let it cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze your pudding! Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can either steam it again for about 30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that lovely, moist texture!
For the best experience, serve your pudding warm with that luscious toffee sauce drizzled on top. Trust me, the comforting aroma and sticky sweetness will make you feel like it’s Christmas all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this festive treat ready to steam!
- Rich and moist: The combination of chopped dates and that luscious toffee sauce ensures every bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: This sticky toffee pudding is sure to impress your guests and become a highlight of your festive celebrations.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and saving you time on the big day!
- Endless variations: Customize it with your favorite nuts or spices to make it uniquely yours!
- Warm, cozy indulgence: There’s nothing quite like serving this warm pudding drizzled with toffee sauce—it’s the ultimate comfort dessert.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians, making it accessible for all your holiday guests.
Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist Christmas pudding with a sticky toffee sauce, perfect for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 200g dried dates, chopped
- 250ml boiling water
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g chopped nuts (optional)
- For the sauce: 200g brown sugar, 200ml double cream, 100g unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Soak the chopped dates in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the soaked dates and their water.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, then fold in gently.
- Add vanilla extract and nuts if using.
- Pour the mixture into a greased pudding basin.
- Cover with parchment paper and steam for 1.5 hours.
- For the sauce, melt butter with sugar and cream in a pan.
- Serve the pudding warm with the toffee sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Make sure to soak the dates well for better texture.
- You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and steam it just before serving.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding, Christmas dessert, festive pudding