Sticky Date (Fig) & Walnut Pudding with Toffee Sauce
A Perfect Winter Delight
The Sticky Date and Walnut Pudding with Toffee Sauce is a rich, comforting dessert that brings warmth to cold, snowy winters. The combination of moist dates or figs, crunchy walnuts, and the silky smooth toffee sauce creates a deliciously indulgent treat. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that, when combined, create a dessert that is bound to impress. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pudding is perfect for a cozy family gathering or a special occasion.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Eggetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Date/Fig Pudding
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (Unsalted) | 90 grams |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 100 grams |
| Whole Eggs | 2 (lightly beaten) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 175 grams |
| Cocoa Powder | 50 grams |
| Milk | 100 ml (warm) |
| Dried Figs or Dates | 175 grams (chopped) |
| Walnuts | 3/4 cup (roughly chopped) |
Ingredients for the Toffee Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (Unsalted) | 125 grams |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 175 grams |
| Fresh Cream | 125 ml |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
For the Date/Fig Pudding
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a muffin pan with butter and set aside.
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Soak the Dates/Figs: In a bowl, soak the dried dates or figs in warm milk until they soften. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat until creamy. Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth.
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir in the soaked milk and date/fig mixture, followed by the chopped walnuts. Continue mixing until the batter is well combined and glossy.
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Bake the Pudding: Spoon the pudding batter evenly into the muffin pan cavities. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the tops of the puddings are set and a tester inserted in the center comes out almost clean.
For the Toffee Sauce
- Make the Toffee Sauce: While the puddings are baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let the mixture bubble for a few minutes before adding the fresh cream. Stir and cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Once it reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat.
Serving
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Serve the Pudding: Once the Sticky Date (Fig) & Walnut Pudding is done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Place the muffins on a dessert platter and pour the warm toffee sauce over them.
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Final Touch: For an extra indulgent touch, serve the pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold ice cream to melt slightly into the warm pudding for the ultimate dessert experience.
Conclusion
This Sticky Date (Fig) & Walnut Pudding with Toffee Sauce is a luscious and comforting dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of winter. The soft, spiced pudding with its rich toffee sauce and crunchy walnuts makes for a memorable treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this pudding is sure to be a hit. The easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delightful, stress-free dessert that can be enjoyed by all.
Serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, and you’re ready to indulge in a warm, decadent dessert experience.
