Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 9 ounces pitted dates; 1 ½ cups water; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 cup unsalted butter; ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup dark brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons dark rum; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that combine rich flavors with moist textures, this Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a dense, buttery cake infused with luscious dates, baked to golden perfection in a stunning bundt shape, then drenched in a silky, indulgent toffee sauce that just melts in your mouth. It’s a beautiful twist on the classic British sticky toffee pudding, perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply treating yourself anytime you want a slice of comfort and joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear and white bowls and glass measuring cups with baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are three large white eggs in a white bowl, a glass measuring cup with dark brown syrup on the left, a medium glass measuring cup filled with white milk, and another with clear water. A white bowl holds light brown brown sugar, another white bowl contains chopped dark brown dates, and a larger white bowl is filled with white flour. There are three sticks of pale yellow butter stacked on the bottom left. Small clear bowls hold white baking powder, white baking soda, light brown vanilla extract, and white sugar, arranged in the front and the middle. The whole setup is clean, orderly, and well-lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe sings with the harmony of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component is essential — the dates bring natural sweetness and moisture, butter provides a rich base, and the dark brown sugar enhances the deep caramel notes in the toffee sauce. Here’s your lineup for making this delightful cake:

9 ounces pitted dates: These plump, naturally sweet fruits make the cake irresistibly moist and rich.
1 ½ cups water: Helps soften the dates for the perfect texture.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Reacts with the dates to ensure the cake stays tender and light.
1 cup unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and a luscious crumb to the cake.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural sweetness of the dates while adding structure.
4 eggs: Provides binding and moisture, making the cake beautifully fluffy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a comforting warmth to both cake and sauce.
2 ½ cups flour: The sturdy base of the cake that holds all the deliciousness together.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give the right rise.
1 cup dark brown sugar: Essential for that deep, caramel flavor in the toffee sauce.
½ cup unsalted butter (for sauce): Makes the sauce velvety and rich.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgence and smoothness to the toffee.
3 tablespoons dark rum: Gives a subtle depth and complexity to the sauce.
⅛ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce): Brings everything together with its sweet fragrance.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by softening your dates with water and baking soda in a saucepan brought to a boil. This gentle cooking process breaks down the dates’ fibers, giving you a thick, sweet base that keeps the cake incredibly moist. Once cooked, mash the dates lightly with a fork, then set the mixture aside to cool and thicken — this step is key for that signature sticky texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer’s bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This aeration is what helps create a light crumb while balancing the richness from the dates. It’s a simple step that enhances both texture and flavor in the final cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until completely combined. This creates a smooth, homogenous batter base that traps air, helping the cake rise beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. These dry ingredients bring the structure and lift needed for the cake, so mixing them well ensures even distribution and a perfect rise.

Step 5: Incorporate Dates and Flour Mixture

Add half the dry ingredients and half the cooled date mixture to your batter, beating gently until just combined. Repeat with the remainder of dry ingredients and dates. This alternating method ensures a tender texture with all ingredients evenly blended — no clumps of flour or dates lurking about!

Step 6: Bake in Bundt Pan

Grease a 10 to 12-cup bundt pan generously, then spread the batter evenly inside. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If you notice the cake edges browning too fast, tent with foil halfway through to prevent overbaking. This stage is where your Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe truly takes shape — golden, fragrant, and beautifully moist.

Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the cake cools for 10 minutes in the pan, combine brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to boil and stir until sugar dissolves, then reduce heat and whisk in cream and rum. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, then finish with vanilla and salt. The sauce thickens as it cools and tastes like liquid gold poured over your cake.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Invert the cooled cake onto a rack and drizzle generously with the warm toffee sauce. Whether poured all over or served by the slice, this sauce is pure indulgence and the perfect finishing touch on your Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe

A round bundt cake with a dark brown color sits on a white plate with a subtle floral pattern, topped with light brown glaze dripping down all sides. In front, a single slice of the cake on a small white plate with a similar floral design shows a moist inside with a rough texture, also covered in the same light brown glaze that pools slightly on the plate. A silver fork rests beside the slice. In the background, there is a white cup filled with light brown drink, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can elevate the cake’s presentation beautifully. For extra decadence, a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or toasted pecans add delightful texture contrasts that complement the cake’s softness and sauce’s richness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance its sweetness. Consider serving it with fresh berries, a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or even a cup of robust black coffee or chai tea — these options refresh the palate and highlight the dessert’s complex flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe as mini bundt cakes for individual guests, or plate it with drizzles of caramel sauce and edible flowers for a gorgeous, special occasion dessert. You can even use the toffee sauce warmed over panna cotta or ice cream for a fun twist on the original recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Your Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for about 4 to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving. The toffee sauce freezes less well, so it’s best to prepare fresh before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or place the entire cake in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil for 10–15 minutes. Reheat the toffee sauce separately and pour warm over the cake for that perfect sticky finish.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dates with another fruit?

While dates provide unique sweetness and moisture, chopped prunes or figs can work as alternatives, although the flavor and texture will change slightly. Using fresh fruit will affect moisture content and shelf life.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative in the sauce. The cake will remain moist and luscious with these substitutions.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.

Can I make the toffee sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to bring back its smooth, warm texture.

Is this cake suitable for celebrations?

Definitely! Its beautiful bundt shape and rich flavors make it an elegant choice for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering where you want to impress and delight guests.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cake Recipe has all the hallmarks of a classic dessert reinvented with a charming twist, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive occasion, this cake brings warmth, indulgence, and pure happiness to the table. Trust me, once you make it, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy every sticky, toffee-soaked bite!