Try this Delicious Irish Sticky Pudding Recipe
Welcome, hungry readers, to the wondrous world of Irish Sticky Pudding – a classic, iconic dessert that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This dessert, popularized by Gordon Ramsay himself, is a delectable combination of sweet dates and sticky toffee sauce. The pudding itself is soft and moist with a slight kick of Irish whiskey that’s bound to make your mouth water.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have found myself gravitating towards this easy sticky date pudding cake recipe time and time again; it never fails to impress. With the holiday season just around the corner, there couldn’t be a better time for you to add this dessert recipe to your arsenal of crowd-pleasers.
Not only is it incredibly delicious, but this Irish Sticky Pudding recipe is also easy enough for even beginners in the kitchen. Even my grandmother who was never much of a cook could whip up this pudding in no time. Trust me when I say, this dessert is going to be your new favorite! So let’s dive into the details and get started, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you someone who loves a classic, iconic dessert? Do you enjoy flavors that are rich, complex, and unforgettable? Then I have the perfect recipe for you – Irish Sticky Pudding!
This dessert is a popular favorite among dessert lovers worldwide because of its chewy texture, intense sweetness, and toffee-like taste. The combination of light brown sugar and dark brown sugar provides a depth of flavor not found in many other desserts.
With its blend of sticky dates, Irish whiskey, and homemade toffee sauce, this pudding is full of flavor and character. It’s perfect for a cozy evening in or as an impressive addition to your next dinner party.
So why will you love this recipe? Not only is it simple to make with common ingredients found in most households, but it also transports your taste buds straight into heaven. Trust me; one bite of this sticky goodness will have you hooked! So don’t hesitate to give it a try; you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Irish Sticky Pudding Recipe is a classic iconic dessert popular in Ireland, and it is a perfect treat for any occasion. This easy sticky toffee pudding recipe requires basic ingredients you can always find in your pantry or local grocery store.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dessert to life:
For the Sticky Date Pudding Cake:
- 5 ounces dates, pits removed and roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup of boiling water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon light molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- Irish whiskey toffee sauce (Recipe included below)
- vanilla ice cream, for serving
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients measured and prepared, it’s time to start making our Irish Sticky Pudding. Follow these easy steps to create this classic and iconic dessert popular in Ireland.
Step 1: The Date Mixture
Firstly, to make the date mixture, place 5 ounces of pitted dates, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of boiling water in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and mix well with a spoon. Let it sit for 15 minutes until the dates are soft and mushy.
Step 2: Make the Batter
While our date mixture is resting, let’s move on to making the batter. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup light brown sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature. Then add 1 egg and beat until combined.
In the same mixing bowl, add in the date mixture we made earlier along with 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat again until thoroughly combined. Then slowly fold in 1 3/4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
Step 3: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) using the middle rack. Pour our sticky date pudding cake batter into a greased pudding dish. Add a handful of roughly chopped dates over the top of the batter. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda into 1/4 cup boiling water and pour it over the top of everything.
Cover the pudding dish tightly with foil and steam-bake in a water bath for about an hour and a half or until firm. Check the pudding after one hour by inserting a skewer into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s ready! If not, continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes and check again.
Step 4: Toffee Guinness Sauce
While the pudding is baking, it’s time to prepare our toffee Guinness sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 2/3 cup of heavy cream, and 2 ounces of unsalted butter. Stir until ingredients melt and combine well. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Finally, add 1/4 cup Irish whiskey to the sauce and stir well.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Remove the sticky date pudding from the oven once ready and leave it to rest for a few minutes before unwrapping the foil.
To serve this mouth-watering dessert, invert the pudding onto a serving plate or separate portions directly into bowls. Drizzle our toffee Guinness sauce generously over the top of the warm pudding. Garnish with whipped cream or ice cream to serve.
You
Substitutions and Variations
One of the most exciting aspects of cooking is experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to put your unique twist on a classic recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for this Irish Sticky Pudding recipe:
– Instead of Irish whiskey, you can use any other type of whiskey or even rum to infuse your pudding with a bold boozy flavor.
– If you don’t have light molasses, you can substitute it with golden syrup or honey for sweetness and moisture.
– The recipe calls for unbleached all-purpose flour, but you can also use self-rising flour if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the amount of baking soda and baking powder accordingly.
– This recipe calls for dates, but you can experiment with other dried fruit like raisins, apricots, prunes or figs to add variety and texture to your sticky pudding.
– For a gluten-free version of this pudding, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
– You can also add chopped nuts like pecans, almonds or walnuts to the pudding mix for some added crunch and nutty flavor.
– Instead of serving the pudding with toffee sauce, try adding cream, custard or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
With these substitutions and variations, feel free to let your creativity run wild and tweak the recipe according to your taste preferences. Remember, experimentation is key to discovering new flavors and creating your own signature dishes. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
: Once you have prepared this delectable Irish Sticky Pudding recipe, it’s time to think about how you’re going to serve it. This classic iconic dessert is best served warm and topped with toffee sauce. The rich and sweet flavors of the pudding paired with the smooth creamy sauce are a perfect match.
For an even more indulgent experience, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool and refreshing qualities of the ice cream complement the warm and gooey texture of the pudding, creating a memorable and satisfying dessert.
Alternatively, if you want to create a more traditional presentation, serve the Irish Sticky Pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or custard. These options balance out the sweetness of the pudding while providing a light and airy contrast.
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to add some extra flair to your meal, consider pairing this sticky toffee pudding with a glass of Irish whiskey. The bold and complex flavors of the whiskey help cut through the sweetness of the pudding while adding an element of sophistication to your dessert course.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this sticky date pudding cake recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave people asking for seconds. So go ahead and indulge in one of the most beloved dessert recipes from across the pond!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You’ll be thrilled to know that this Irish Sticky Pudding recipe can be made in advance and stored for later consumption, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or preparing ahead of time. Once you have prepared the dessert, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it well with plastic wrap. It will last up to three days at room temperature.
If you plan on keeping it for longer than three days, simply freeze it. To reheat the pudding, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pudding in a baking dish. Pour the toffee sauce over it, cover with aluminum foil, and bake it for 20 minutes. Remember to remove the foil and continue baking until it is fully heated through and has achieved a nice golden color. This should take about 10 more minutes.
You may also reheat individual servings in the microwave if you are short on time. Simply warm them on high for about 20-30 seconds or until they reach the desired temperature.
This pudding also tastes amazing when served cold, which makes it perfect for hot summer evenings when you crave a refreshing dessert.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got everything ready to make the Irish Sticky Pudding Recipe, I’m here to give you some tips to ensure a perfect result.
1. Be sure your butter is at room temperature. This is essential for a smooth and creamy batter.
2. Don’t overmix your batter. Over-mixing will lead to a dense and heavy pudding.
3. Use fresh baking soda. Baking soda loses its effectiveness over time, so be sure yours is fresh for best results.
4. Let the pudding cool before adding the toffee sauce. Adding hot toffee sauce to a hot pudding can result in a runny mess.
5. Serve with a dollop of whipped heavy cream or vanilla ice cream to balance out the richness of the sticky toffee sauce.
Follow these tips and your Irish Sticky Pudding will turn out perfectly every time.
FAQ
As you get ready to make this delicious Irish Sticky Pudding, you may have some questions about the recipe. I’ve collected some of the most frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot any issues that might come up during preparation. So let’s dive in and answer your queries.
Do the Irish eat sticky toffee pudding?
This dessert is widely loved and recognized as a traditional British delicacy that is commonly consumed in Scotland, England, and Ireland.
What’s the difference between sticky toffee pudding and sticky date pudding?
One of my all-time favorite British desserts is Sticky Date Pudding. It’s also commonly referred to as Sticky Toffee Pudding. The key to making this dessert extra special is by drizzling some Butterscotch Sauce over the warm pudding after it’s baked. This not only enhances the moistness of the pudding, but it also gives it a rich, dark hue that is simply irresistible.
How does Gordon Ramsay make sticky date pudding?
For this recipe, we’ll need 5 ounces of roughly chopped dates with their pits removed, which amounts to about ¾ cup. Additionally, we’ll be using ½ teaspoon of baking soda and ¼ cup of boiling water. In terms of ingredients we’ll need 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature, 6 tablespoons of light brown sugar, an egg, ½ a cup with an extra 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and finally ½ a teaspoon of baking powder.
Is it sticky pudding or figgy pudding?
One of the most beloved desserts during the Christmas season is the Figgy Pudding. It is similar to the traditional Christmas pudding but with a sweeter twist – the addition of figs. In fact, the infamous line in “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” which asks for a serving of figgy pudding speaks to its popularity.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic, iconic dessert that is popular all over the world. The Irish version of this pudding, made with Irish Whiskey and a rich toffee sauce is one of my favorites. I hope you try this recipe at home and enjoy it as much as I do. Remember to follow the tips and recommendations shared in this article for perfect results every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make this dessert unique to your taste. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream, some fresh berries or even some custard for a truly indulgent experience. With this recipe in your repertoire, you’ll always have an impressive dessert option to offer your guests or family.
Irish Sticky Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
PUDDING
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 lb dates, pits removed and cut into slices
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup boiling water
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
TOFFEE SAUCE
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- PUDDING:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter inside of baking dish. Combine dates, baking soda, and 2/3 cup boiling water in a medium size bowl. In a standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add dark brown sugar and 5 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix together on medium low (until just mixed) for about 1 minute. Add molasses and vanilla until just combined. Add the date mixture until just combined. In the buttered baking dish evenly distribute the mixture. Bake about 35 minutes. Insert a butter knife into center to check for doneness. Knife should come out clean.
- TO MAKE TOFFEE SAUCE:
- Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk in light brown sugar. Cook until instant-read thermometer reaches 250 degrees. Slowly whisk in cream and salt and bring to simmer. Remove from heat and place in a glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap.
- TO SERVE:
- Let pudding cool. Cut the pudding into squares and add to individual serving plates. Pour the warm toffee sauce over each pudding (NOTE: Toffee Sauce can be microwaved for a few seconds to reheat, if desired).
- Serve with a teaspoon of Irish whiskey over the pudding and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a spectacular presentation, light pudding at the table. BE CAREFUL NOT TO SINGE THE GUEST.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.