Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped dates and baking soda, then pour the boiling water over them. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to soften the dates.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Then, gently mix in the date mixture, ensuring not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Making the Toffee Sauce
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is silky, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Once the pudding is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Poke holes all over the surface and pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the pudding to soak in.
Notes
Quality Ingredients: Using fresh dates and organic butter can significantly enhance the flavor. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and just reheat and pour the sauce over it before serving. Serve with ice cream: Paired with vanilla ice cream, the warm pudding contrasts wonderfully with the cold scoop. Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or a warm oven.
