A warm, tender, caramel-scented dessert soaked with luscious butterscotch sauce, Sticky Date Pudding is a timeless classic that combines rich sweetness with incredible comfort. Soft, moist, and beautifully fragrant, it’s the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sticky Date Pudding delivers everything you want in a cozy dessert—moist sponge, deep caramel flavor, and a silky butterscotch sauce that soaks into every bite. The dates melt into the batter, creating remarkable tenderness without an overpowering taste. Whether baked as a single pudding or in individual molds, it reheats beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for gatherings or weeknight indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pudding:
280 g pitted dates, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
80 g unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups plain (all-purpose) flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

For the butterscotch sauce:
1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
1 1/2 cups thickened (heavy) cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
70 g unsalted butter

For serving:
Ice cream or whipped cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C if using a fan-forced oven. Grease seven pudding molds or line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with baking paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
2. Place the chopped dates in a bowl, sprinkle over the baking soda, and pour the boiling water on top. Let stand for 10 minutes, then mash well until the mixture resembles a thick, sloppy puree.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and beat until incorporated.
4. Add the flour and sprinkle baking powder over the surface. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir the mashed dates into the batter until evenly mixed.
6. For a single pudding, spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While still hot, poke holes all over the top using a skewer and pour 1/2 cup of hot butterscotch sauce over the pudding. Allow it to soak for 10 minutes before lifting out and slicing.
8. For individual puddings, fill each mold two-thirds full and bake for about 25 minutes. Poke around 10 holes in each while hot and spoon over 1 tablespoon of sauce per pudding.
9. To make the butterscotch sauce, place all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir as the butter melts, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Serve the warm pudding with extra warm butterscotch sauce and your choice of ice cream or cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 7–9 servings.
Prep time: approximately 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes for a whole pudding, or 25 minutes for individual puddings
Total time: about 50 minutes

Variations

• Replace dates with prunes for a similar texture and sweetness.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
• Mix in finely diced apple for extra moisture and a subtle fruity layer.
• Use coconut cream and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Bake in muffin tins for smaller, more portable servings.

Storage/Reheating

Sticky Date Pudding stores extremely well thanks to its moist texture. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until warmed through. Extra butterscotch sauce may be stored separately and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully. Prepare the pudding, soak it with sauce, and store it. Reheat just before serving.

Do I have to use dates?

Dates are essential for the classic texture and richness, but prunes can be used as the closest substitute.

Can I freeze Sticky Date Pudding?

Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

You can reduce sugar or use a lighter variation by thinning with milk and thickening with a little cornstarch.

Can I bake this in a different size tin?

A 20 cm (8-inch) square pan works well. You can also use a slightly larger pan but check for doneness early.

How do I stop the pudding from drying out?

Avoid overbaking, and be sure to pour sauce over the pudding while it’s hot so it absorbs properly.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose blend works well.

What can I serve with Sticky Date Pudding?

Ice cream, whipped cream, or even custard all pair beautifully with the warm sauce.

How do I know when the pudding is done?

Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Can I make individual puddings instead of one large one?

Absolutely. Bake for about 25 minutes and adjust the sauce-soaking method accordingly.

Conclusion

Sticky Date Pudding is a heartwarming classic that delivers deep caramel flavor, velvety texture, and a comforting richness that never disappoints. With a generous drizzle of warm butterscotch sauce, it becomes a dessert destined to be requested again and again. Whether for a family gathering, a chilly evening, or a special celebration, this recipe brings guaranteed satisfaction in every bite.

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