Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding with Homemade Chocolate Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe

There is something utterly magical about indulging in a warm, luscious dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with the comforting, sticky sweetness of toffee. This Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding with Homemade Chocolate Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe is a showstopper that never fails to impress and delight. Imagine moist, tender pudding infused with dates and cocoa, generously doused in a velvety homemade chocolate toffee sauce, and finished off with your favorite ice cream melting slowly on top. This recipe is a celebration of texture and flavor, perfect for special occasions or just because you deserve a cozy treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to crafting this decadent dessert. Each component here plays a vital role—from the tender dates that provide natural sweetness and moisture, to the cocoa powder that deepens the chocolate profile. The balance of light and dark brown sugar ensures that perfect sticky toffee flavor, while the mixture of baking powder and bicarbonate of soda helps give the pudding its airy texture. And of course, the butter and cream make everything irresistibly rich.

• 175 g dates (stones removed): Provides moisture and natural sweetness that keeps the pudding wonderfully soft.
• 175 ml boiling water: Used to soak the dates, softening them perfectly for blending into the batter.
• 75 g unsalted butter: Adds richness and smooth texture; unsalted lets you control the salt balance.
• 175 g light or dark brown soft sugar: Gives the classic toffee sweetness and sticky texture.
• 200 g self-raising flour: The backbone of the pudding, providing lift and structure.
• 50 g cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it bitter.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the pudding rise and become airy.
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect light crumb.
• 75 g black treacle (or golden syrup): Deepens the toffee flavor and adds that sticky quality.
• 3 medium eggs: Binds the ingredients and helps create a fluffy texture.
• 125 ml whole milk: Balances the batter’s consistency and richness.
• 125 g unsalted butter (for sauce): Melts into the sauce for that creamy, luscious finish.
• 125 g light or dark brown soft sugar (for sauce): Sweetens the sauce perfectly.
• 3 tbsp black treacle (or golden syrup) (for sauce): Adds complexity and warmth to the sauce.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the sauce flavor with aromatic notes.
• 275 ml double cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth and rich.
• 200 g chocolate: Creates the irresistible chocolate toffee element in the sauce.

How to Make Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding with Homemade Chocolate Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dates

First things first, remove the stones from your dates and chop them finely so they blend beautifully into the pudding. Pour over the boiling water and let the mixture soak for around 20 minutes. This softens the dates perfectly and gives your pudding a moist, tender crumb. If you prefer an ultra-smooth pudding, give the mixture a quick blend to eliminate any lumps before adding it to the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Preheat your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) and prepare a baking dish approximately 30×20 cm. In a large bowl, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and black treacle. Beat just until combined—overbeating can lead to a dense pudding, so gentle mixing is key. Slowly add the date-soaking water mixture and the milk a little at a time, stirring until the batter is smooth and a bit on the thin side. Embrace this texture; it results in a moist finished pudding.

Step 3: Bake the Pudding

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared dish and place it in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This is where patience pays off—you’re creating that tender, moist core surrounded by a delicate crust, all soaked in toffee flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Homemade Chocolate Toffee Sauce

While your pudding bakes, start the sauce by combining butter, sugar, treacle, vanilla, and cream in a large pan over gentle heat. Stir consistently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Then add the dark chocolate pieces and keep stirring until the chocolate melts into a luxurious, silky sauce. This is where the pudding gets its stunning sticky toffee element with an extra chocolatey boost.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once your pudding is out of the oven, spoon half or more of the warm chocolate toffee sauce over the top, letting it soak in while still hot. The pudding absorbs the sauce, getting even more moist and decadent. Serve it warm, with a generous scoop of ice cream and any leftover sauce to drizzle over. It’s pure comfort on a plate.

How to Serve Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding with Homemade Chocolate Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

While the pudding is incredible on its own, adding a few garnishes can enhance the experience. A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the richness. You can also sprinkle a few toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for delightful crunch. A dusting of cocoa powder or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the chocolate flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs divinely with a scoop of creamy vanilla or salted caramel ice cream that melts into the warm toffee sauce. Alternatively, if you want to contrast the sweetness, fresh berries or a dollop of tart Greek yogurt create a nice balance. For a comforting beverage sidekick, a hot cup of coffee or a malted milkshake works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the pudding in individual ramekins straight from the oven with sauce drizzled on top and a quenelle of ice cream. Layer the pudding cut into squares in a glass trifle bowl with whipped cream and extra chocolate sauce for a dramatic visual treat. You can also plate it with edible flowers or chocolate shavings for special occasions or dinner parties to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding with Homemade Chocolate Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe, store them covered in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to retain its perfect texture, and reheat just before serving to bring everything back to life.

Freezing

This pudding freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Wrap the cooled pudding tightly or portion it into freezer-safe containers, then store for up to three months. The sauce can also be frozen in a separate container. Thaw both overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the pudding gently in the microwave or oven, covering it to trap moisture and prevent drying out. Warm the chocolate toffee sauce separately in a saucepan or microwave until smooth and pour over the pudding just before serving again. This method ensures your homemade chocolate toffee sauce stays glossy, and the pudding remains as scrumptious as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising mix, and ensure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The texture will remain moist and delicious.

What type of chocolate works best in the toffee sauce?

Use good quality dark chocolate (around 60-70% cocoa solids) for a rich, balanced flavor in your homemade chocolate toffee sauce. Milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a sweeter sauce, but dark chocolate delivers more depth.

Can I prepare the pudding batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the batter a few hours before baking; keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Just give it a gentle stir before transferring it to your baking dish.

Is there an alternative to black treacle?

Golden syrup makes a great substitute if you don’t have black treacle on hand. It’s slightly lighter in flavor but still provides that sticky, caramelized toffee note essential for this recipe.

What ice cream flavors pair best with this pudding?

Classic vanilla is a perfect match, enhancing the chocolate and toffee without overpowering them. Salted caramel or coffee-flavored ice cream add exciting twists, while a simple whipped cream topping works wonderfully for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to enjoy it with you, this Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding with Homemade Chocolate Toffee Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe is a delightful journey into rich, cozy indulgence. It’s more than a dessert—it’s a warm hug on a plate that everyone will ask for again and again. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and savor every sticky, chocolatey bite. You won’t regret it.

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