Is there anything more comforting than a warm, sticky Sweet Toffee Pudding fresh from the oven? This classic British dessert features a moist sponge cake soaked in luscious toffee sauce that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re new to British puddings or a longtime fan, this recipe delivers perfection in every spoonful. Let’s create this heavenly dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Adore This Sweet Toffee Pudding
Here’s why this dessert will become your new obsession:
- Ultra-indulgent: Rich, buttery sponge meets gooey toffee sauce
- Comfort in a bowl: Warm, sticky, and utterly satisfying
- Surprisingly simple: No fancy techniques required
- Crowd-pleaser: Impressive enough for dinner parties
- Versatile: Serve with ice cream, custard, or whipped cream
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Sweet Toffee Pudding
For the Sponge
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp golden syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pudding Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, blend the butter and sugar together until pale and airy.
- Mix in the eggs individually, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then fold in the vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
2. Make the Toffee Sauce
- Heat a saucepan over medium flame and melt the butter, stirring in the brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in cream, golden syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Pour half the toffee sauce into prepared baking dish.
- Spoon batter evenly over the sauce (don’t worry – it will rise through!).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and springy to touch.
4. Serve Warm
- Let cool slightly, then invert onto serving plates.
- Drizzle with remaining warm toffee sauce.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or pouring custard.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Toffee Pudding
- Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing
- Don’t overmix the batter – keep it light and fluffy
- Watch the sauce carefully to prevent burning
- Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness
- Double the sauce if you’re a toffee fanatic (we won’t judge!)
Why This Recipe Works
This Sweet Toffee Pudding strikes the perfect balance between light sponge and rich sauce. The magic happens as the pudding bakes – the batter rises through the sauce creating irresistible layers of flavor and texture. It’s sophisticated enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the pudding and sauce separately, then reheat together before serving.
What if I don’t have golden syrup?
Honey or dark corn syrup make good substitutes.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with extra sauce.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking as directed.
Serving Suggestions
Take your Sweet Toffee Pudding to the next level with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A drizzle of extra toffee sauce (always!)
