Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates; 1/3 cup boiling water; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; Pinch of salt

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, cozy, and impressively elegant without making a mountain of leftovers, let me introduce you to Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two. This classic British treat is all about tender date cake and the warm embrace of buttery toffee sauce—scaled down perfectly for just you and your favorite dessert buddy. Think of it as a guaranteed way to brighten up any date night, rainy afternoon, or simple “just because” evening, where every bite tastes like a little celebration.

Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two is that it only takes a handful of pantry staples and a quick soak for the dates to create magic. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that signature caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Chopped pitted dates: These give the cake its signature sticky-sweet depth and moist, toothsome texture.
Boiling water: Soaks and softens the dates, allowing them to practically melt into the batter for extra richness.
Baking soda: Helps break down the dates further and ensures a light crumb.
Unsalted butter (softened): Brings that classic buttery richness both to the cake and the luscious sauce.
Brown sugar: Lends caramel notes and warmth, making each bite feel extra indulgent.
Egg: Adds structure and helps bind everything together for a tender, delicate pudding.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the dessert with cozy, aromatic sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Provides the pudding with enough body to hold together beautifully.
Baking powder: Gives the cake just the right lift so it stays soft and light.
Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and intensifies every flavor.
Heavy cream (for the sauce): Makes the toffee sauce ultra-silky and luxurious.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two ramekins to prevent sticking—you want every bit of that gorgeous pudding to release easily. Place the ramekins on a baking tray for easier handling later, especially when they’re hot and bubbling with sauce.

Step 2: Soak the Dates

Add the chopped pitted dates to a small bowl and pour over the boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. The dates will soften and get almost syrupy, which is key for that classic Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two texture.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy (a hand mixer or generous arm workout will do the trick). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute everything evenly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until you don’t see any dry flour—overmixing can toughen the pudding! Stir in the date mixture (liquid and all) until the batter is smooth and evenly marbled with dates.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter between your two prepared ramekins, smoothing the tops. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine at this point—warm caramels and buttery sweetness wafting from the oven.

Step 6: Whip Up the Toffee Sauce

While the puddings finish baking, combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes. This glossy sauce is the heart of Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two.

Step 7: Soak and Serve

Once the puddings are out of the oven, poke a few holes in the tops with a skewer. Pour a generous amount of warm toffee sauce over each pudding to let that liquid gold soak right in. Wait a few minutes, then serve extra sauce on the side, along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra decadent.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two

Garnishes

For an extra dose of wow-factor, top your puddings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream right before serving. A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts adds lovely crunch, while a light dusting of cinnamon or flaky sea salt highlights the caramelly flavors of Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two.

Side Dishes

Keep things classic with a hot cup of strong black tea, or go a little posh with fresh berries on the side to cut through the richness. If you love contrast, serve alongside a citrus salad or even a tiny shot of espresso for the perfect finish to a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the pudding in heat-proof mugs for a casual touch, or unmold each serving onto a small dessert plate with a dramatic drizzle of toffee sauce. If you’re hosting, line up the ramekins on a wooden board and let everyone add their own sauce and toppings for an interactive Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two dessert bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (we won’t judge!), simply cover the ramekins with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days, and be sure to save any extra toffee sauce separately for reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two! Once cooled, wrap the puddings tightly and freeze for up to one month. Store any leftover sauce in a small airtight container. Thaw both in the fridge overnight before you plan to enjoy them again.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the puddings in 20-second bursts until warmed through, or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes. Gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Pour the warm sauce over the puddings just before serving for maximum gooeyness!

FAQs

Can I use medjool dates instead of regular dates?

Absolutely! Medjool dates are extra soft and naturally sweet, making them a luxurious swap for regular pitted dates in Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two. If your dates are particularly plump, you may only need a brief soak.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter—just remember to skip or reduce the pinch of added salt in both the pudding and sauce to keep the flavors balanced.

What if I don’t have individual ramekins?

No problem at all! Bake the batter in a small oven-safe dish (about 2-cup capacity) and cut into squares, or try using heat-safe mugs for a fun twist. Just check doneness with a toothpick and adjust the bake time if needed.

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two gluten free?

Definitely. Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get a deliciously moist, sweet result.

What’s the best way to make the toffee sauce ahead?

Make the toffee sauce up to two days in advance and store it in a covered container in the fridge. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy before pouring over your warm puddings.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never treated yourself to the pure comfort that is Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two, now is the perfect time. This recipe is just the right size and delivers maximum indulgence without overwhelming your kitchen. Grab a friend, bake a batch, and let the magic of this classic British pudding turn any day into a special occasion.

Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two, a classic British dessert perfect for a cozy night in. Rich, moist date cake topped with a luscious toffee sauce, this dessert is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/3 cup boiling water
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

For the toffee sauce:

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prep ramekins: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two ramekins.
Prepare date mixture: Combine chopped dates with boiling water and baking soda in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Make cake batter: Cream butter and brown sugar, add egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in date mixture.
Bake: Divide batter into ramekins and bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make toffee sauce: Combine brown sugar, butter, cream, and salt in a saucepan. Cook until smooth and thickened.
Finish and serve: Poke holes in baked puddings, pour warm toffee sauce over them. Serve warm with extra sauce and optional ice cream or whipped cream.