Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a mouthwatering dessert that combines rich, moist sponge cake with a luscious toffee sauce, creating an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding

Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert that has become a fan favorite around the world. Known for its decadent flavor and comforting texture, this dessert consists of a moist, spongy cake made with dates, which infuses it with a rich sweetness.

It’s traditionally served warm, drenched in a luscious, buttery toffee sauce, and often paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. What sets Jamie’s recipe apart is his ability to balance flavors, creating a pudding that’s not overly sweet yet irresistibly indulgent. The date-based cake adds a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the sauce seeps into every bite, enhancing the experience with each mouthful.

Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:

• For The Pudding

  • 200g dates, pitted and chopped (Medjool dates are ideal for this)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 150g brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 180g self-raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

• For The Toffee Sauce

  • 200g brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 200ml double cream
  • 100g unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt (to enhance the toffee flavor)

• To Serve (optional But Recommended)

  • Vanilla ice cream or double cream

Equipment Needed

Here are the essential tools and equipment needed for preparing Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding:

• A 20cm round cake tin (preferably non-stick)
• A mixing bowl (for the cake batter)
• A saucepan (for the toffee sauce)
• A spatula or wooden spoon (to mix the ingredients)
• A whisk (for beating the butter and sugar)
• A knife (to chop the dates)
• A measuring jug (for liquids)
• An oven to bake the pudding (preheated to 180°C/350°F)

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Making Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a simple yet rewarding process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour over 200ml of boiling water. Sprinkle the baking soda over the top and let the dates soak for about 10 minutes, until soft and mushy. This softens the dates and helps create the moist texture of the pudding.
2. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can do this using a hand mixer or a whisk. Once the mixture is creamy, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon if using.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour over the wet mixture and fold it in gently. Then, add the soaked date mixture (including the water) to the batter and stir until everything is well combined. The batter will be a bit runny, but that’s perfectly normal.
4. Bake the pudding: Grease and line your cake tin with parchment paper, then pour the batter into the tin. Smooth the top and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Make the toffee sauce: While the pudding is baking, make the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for that perfect toffee flavor.
6. Serve: Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the pudding, then pour half of the toffee sauce over the top, letting it soak in. Serve warm with the remaining toffee sauce on the side and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cream.

Expert Tips

1. Don’t skip the date soaking step: The dates are the heart of this pudding, and soaking them softens them while enhancing the flavor, giving the pudding its iconic texture.
2. Check your oven: Every oven is different, so make sure to keep an eye on the pudding while baking. It should be firm to the touch, and a skewer inserted should come out clean. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature slightly.
3. Make it ahead: You can prepare the pudding in advance and reheat it gently in the microwave or oven. If doing this, wait to add the toffee sauce until right before serving to keep it fresh.
4. Customize with nuts: For a little extra crunch, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter, which pairs beautifully with the toffee sauce.
5. Get the toffee sauce right: If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it for a little longer. The consistency should be smooth but not too runny when poured over the pudding.

Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate dessert indulgence, balancing moist, date-filled sponge with a rich, buttery toffee sauce that oozes into every bite. It’s a treat that will leave you and your guests coming back for more, making it a perfect choice for special occasions, or just as a comforting dessert after a cozy meal.

With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you can find in most kitchens, you’ll be able to recreate this classic British favorite and enjoy it fresh from the oven. Whether you serve it with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, every spoonful promises to deliver the warmth and indulgence you crave.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding

Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is an indulgent classic with its rich flavors of dates, caramel, and buttery sponge. However, there are numerous ways to adapt the recipe and add your own personal twist. Whether you want to make the dessert a little healthier or introduce new flavor elements, here are some fun variations you can try:

1. Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding:
   If you’re looking for a dairy-free and egg-free version, simply replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg. For the toffee sauce, swap the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy milk of your choice. This variation still captures the indulgent flavor and texture without any animal products.

2. Nutty Delight:
   Add some texture and a nutty flavor to your sticky toffee pudding by folding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts into the batter. The toasted nuts provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft sponge and the luscious toffee sauce.

3. Ginger Infusion:
   If you’re a fan of spice, you can add ground ginger or even finely grated fresh ginger to the batter. This will add a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich toffee sauce. A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg can complement the ginger and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

4. Caramelized Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding:
   For an extra layer of sweetness and flavor, sauté some banana slices in brown sugar and butter until caramelized. Add these bananas to the batter before baking or serve them on top of the finished pudding. The bananas will add a delightful fruity note that pairs beautifully with the toffee sauce.

5. Chocolaty Twist:
   For chocolate lovers, try adding cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate into the batter to create a chocolatey sticky toffee pudding. You can even add chocolate chips or chunks to make it extra indulgent. The toffee sauce can be enhanced by incorporating a spoonful of espresso for a mocha-like flavor, combining coffee and chocolate in a delightful way.

6. Alcohol-Infused Pudding:
   You can make your sticky toffee pudding a bit more decadent by adding a splash of your favorite alcohol. Try dark rum, brandy, or even bourbon for a deeper, richer flavor. A tablespoon of the chosen liquor can be added to both the batter and the toffee sauce for an extra punch.

These easy variations show just how versatile Jamie Oliver’s sticky toffee pudding recipe can be, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures while still honoring the essence of the dish.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Sticky toffee pudding is one of those desserts that gets even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and mature. Here are some best practices to store your leftovers to keep them as fresh and tasty as possible:

1. Refrigerating:
   If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. This will help maintain their flavor and moisture. Sticky toffee pudding will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly. Be sure to refrigerate the pudding and toffee sauce separately if you prefer to reheat them separately.

2. Freezing:
   If you want to keep your sticky toffee pudding for a longer period, freezing it is an option. After allowing the pudding to cool completely, slice it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. The pudding can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost it in the fridge overnight or reheat it from frozen in the microwave or oven.

3. Reheating:
   When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few ways to reheat them. To preserve the moist texture of the pudding, you can microwave it in short bursts (20-30 seconds), checking to ensure it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes. If you have some of the toffee sauce left, warm it up gently in a saucepan before serving to make the pudding extra saucy.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy your sticky toffee pudding over several days without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What Goes Well With Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Sticky toffee pudding is a decadent treat on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Here are a few suggestions for what goes well with sticky toffee pudding:

1. Whipped Cream:
   The light and airy texture of whipped cream is the perfect contrast to the dense, rich pudding. For a little extra flair, you could flavor the whipped cream with vanilla extract or even a touch of cinnamon to complement the toffee sauce.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream:
   The creaminess of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, sticky toffee pudding. The cold ice cream combined with the hot pudding creates a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible.

3. Custard:
   A traditional British pairing with sticky toffee pudding is custard. The rich, velvety custard adds another layer of smoothness and sweetness to the dish, bringing the comforting flavors together in perfect harmony.

4. Toffee Sauce:
   If you’re a fan of extra toffee goodness, drizzle some additional homemade toffee sauce over the pudding before serving. The extra sauce will amplify the indulgent flavors and create a gooey, luxurious texture.

5. Fresh Berries:
   While sticky toffee pudding is inherently rich and sweet, pairing it with fresh berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries offers a refreshing contrast. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of the pudding, providing a balance of flavors.

6. Coffee or Tea:
   A rich, hot beverage like freshly brewed coffee or a strong tea (such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast) can also pair wonderfully with sticky toffee pudding. The bitterness of the coffee or the aromatic qualities of the tea complement the sweetness of the dessert and help cleanse the palate.

Conclusion

Sticky toffee pudding is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its sweet, rich flavors and warm, comforting texture, it’s the perfect way to end a meal, especially when you customize it with variations to suit your tastes.

Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try something new with a vegan version or a touch of spice, this dessert is versatile and always delicious. Plus, with the right storage techniques, you can savor your pudding for days to come.

Pair it with whipped cream, ice cream, custard, or even fresh berries for a truly indulgent experience. Sticky toffee pudding is, without a doubt, a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone smiling.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

To make Jamie Oliver’s sticky toffee pudding, you will need dates, self-raising flour, butter, sugar (brown and caster), eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and cream. For the toffee sauce, you will need butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, and double cream.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pudding in advance. You can make the pudding, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the pudding and the toffee sauce.

Can I Substitute Dates In The Recipe?

While dates provide the signature moistness and flavor in sticky toffee pudding, you can substitute them with prunes or dried figs, although the taste may slightly differ.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Without Eggs?

Yes, you can make a version of sticky toffee pudding without eggs by using egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or a commercial egg replacer.

How Do I Make The Toffee Sauce For Sticky Toffee Pudding?

To make the toffee sauce, melt butter in a pan, then add brown sugar and golden syrup. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and then add the double cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened and smooth.

How Do I Know When Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Is Done?

The pudding is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be firm to the touch and slightly golden.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Yes, you can freeze sticky toffee pudding. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in the oven before serving.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

While self-raising flour is recommended for the recipe, you can use all-purpose flour combined with a teaspoon of baking powder as a substitute.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Without Golden Syrup?

If you don’t have golden syrup, you can substitute it with light corn syrup or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ slightly.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Sticky toffee pudding is traditionally served with vanilla ice cream, custard, or double cream. You can also pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for a rich treat.