Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for the ultimate comfort dessert that feels like a warm hug from your oven, then this Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce is exactly what you need. This beloved classic features moist, tender cake loaded with rich, caramelized dates, all perfectly complemented by a luscious, velvety butterscotch sauce. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dessert never fails to impress and satisfy, turning simple ingredients into a truly memorable treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you — each component is simple, yet essential, working together beautifully to create the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and flavor that Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce is famous for.

• Pitted dates (1 cup / 180g): Chopped finely for a natural sweetness and moist texture in the pudding.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Reacts with the dates and boiling water to keep the pudding light and airy.
• Boiling water (3/4 cup): Helps soften the dates, creating that signature moist crumb.
• Unsalted butter (60g, softened): Adds richness and depth to the pudding batter.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup for pudding, 1 cup for sauce): Offers a deep molasses flavor that caramelizes perfectly.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the pudding structure.
• Self-raising flour (1 cup / 150g): Provides just the right amount of lift without weighing the pudding down.
• Thickened cream (1 cup / 250ml): Essential for that rich, smooth butterscotch sauce.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brightens and enhances the buttery sweetness of the sauce.

How to Make Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by combining your chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl, then pour over the boiling water. This little soaking trick softens the dates, breaking them down just enough to melt seamlessly into the pudding, while the baking soda lightens the texture for a softer crumb.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, cream your softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color — this is key for incorporating air, ensuring your pudding stays moist but remains tender. Once creamy, beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the self-raising flour and the date mixture to your creamy base. Take care not to over-mix here; you want to preserve the air you’ve just worked into the batter for that perfect lift.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased and lined 8-inch square baking pan and slide it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. As the pudding bakes, the dates’ natural sugars caramelize, giving you that unforgettable sticky, gooey texture inside.

Step 5: Make the Butterscotch Sauce

While the pudding is baking, melt butter, brown sugar, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Finish with a splash of vanilla extract, then let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes to thicken up and deepen in flavor.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Serve the warm pudding straight from the oven, drizzled generously with the glossy, aromatic butterscotch sauce. The pairing is heavenly—sweet, sticky, buttery, and irresistibly comforting.

How to Serve Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top adds a wonderful crunch and nutty depth that contrasts beautifully with the gooey pudding. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream also brightens the plate and adds to the indulgence.

Side Dishes

Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce stands proud on its own but can be complemented nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of lightly whipped cream. For an extra touch, try serving it with a spoonful of tangy berry compote to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, you might slice the pudding into individual squares and serve each with a drizzle of warm butterscotch sauce in a shallow bowl, garnished with edible flowers or mint leaves. Alternatively, consider layering chunks of the pudding with whipped cream and caramelized bananas in a glass for an elegant trifle twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making it just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked pudding whole or sliced into portions. Wrap tightly in foil and then plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. Freeze the butterscotch sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. Thaw both in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the pudding gently in the microwave or oven until just warmed through — avoid overcooking so it stays soft and moist. Warm the butterscotch sauce on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often, before drizzling generously over the pudding.

FAQs

Can I use Medjool dates or any other variety?

Medjool dates are perfect for Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce because they are soft and naturally sweet, but any pitted dates you have on hand will work well after soaking.

Is there a way to make this pudding gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free baking mix with a similar rising agent. Just make sure it has a trusted blend for best results.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

What if I don’t have thickened cream for the sauce?

You can substitute with heavy cream or a mix of whole milk and butter, but thickened cream gives the best silky texture and richness.

How do I know when the pudding is fully cooked?

The best test is inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, never wet batter.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce is one of those magical desserts that feels like a warm celebration in every bite. Its rich, comforting flavors and luscious sauce make it a timeless choice for any occasion. Once you dive into this homemade treasure, it will no doubt become your go-to recipe whenever you want to share something truly special with friends and family. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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