Name: Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 5 ounces dates, pits removed, roughly chopped (about ¾ cup); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ cup boiling water; 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 6 tablespoons (84g) light brown sugar; 1 egg; ½ cup + 2 tablespoons (78g) all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup (113g, 1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 cup (225g) packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk; 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream; 2 tablespoons (35g) corn syrup; Tiny pinch kosher salt; 2 tablespoons (30ml) bourbon

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If you have a sweet tooth that craves rich, comforting desserts, then you absolutely must try the Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe. This classic British treat bursts with deep caramel flavors balanced by the natural sweetness and softness of dates, all smothered in a luscious toffee sauce that will have you licking the plate. It’s the perfect dessert to warm your soul whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion indulgence. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll become your go-to sticky toffee delight every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white baking dish holds a single thick dark brown cake with a textured surface that looks moist. A glossy caramel sauce is being poured from a white spoon onto the center of the cake, creating a shiny golden layer that flows down slightly. The spoon is held by a woman's hand, tilted over the cake to drip the sauce. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for the Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe are wonderfully simple yet play such vital roles in creating its iconic texture and flavor. Each one brings something special — from the plump dates adding moisture and sweetness, to the butter and brown sugar creating that rich caramel base, and the baking powder and soda helping it rise perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dates (5 ounces): Pitted and roughly chopped, they provide natural sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Reacts with dates to help tenderize the pudding’s crumb.
Boiling water (¼ cup): Used to soak the dates, making them extra plump and flavorful.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Light brown sugar (6 tablespoons): Gives that classic caramel depth and beautiful color.
Egg (1): Binds everything together to create the perfect sponge-like pud.
All-purpose flour (½ cup + 2 tablespoons): The base structure of the pudding, keeping it tender yet firm.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the pudding rise and stay light.
For the toffee sauce: Unsalted butter (½ cup), brown sugar (1 cup), milk (2 tablespoons), heavy cream (2 tablespoons), corn syrup (2 tablespoons), a tiny pinch of kosher salt, and bourbon (2 tablespoons) all combine to make that irresistibly gooey, luscious topping.

How to Make Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by mixing your chopped, pitted dates with baking soda and the boiling water in a bowl. Let this soak for about 10 minutes. This soaking process allows the dates to soften and helps the baking soda react, which tenderizes the pudding and gives it that iconic moist texture you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, take your softened unsalted butter and the brown sugar, and cream them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it’s the foundation for creating that rich toffee flavor and ensuring the texture remains moist and tender.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Once your butter and sugar are nicely creamed, crack in the egg and beat it well. This will help bind your ingredients together and give the pudding structure without making it heavy.

Step 4: Combine Date Mixture with Butter Mixture

Next, fold your lovely date mixture into the butter and sugar batter. You’ll start to see your batter develop its signature specks of date, promising a sweet, fruity surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet date mixture. Be careful here—you want to mix just enough to combine, so your pudding stays light and fluffy, not dense and tough.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding

Pour your batter into a greased baking dish and pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. That sweet aroma filling your kitchen will be pure temptation.

Step 7: Prepare the Toffee Sauce

While your pudding bakes, get started on that dreamy sauce. Melt the butter, brown sugar, milk, heavy cream, corn syrup, salt, and bourbon together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until thickened and glossy. The bourbon adds a wonderful warmth cutting through the richness.

Step 8: Serve It Up

As soon as your pudding comes out of the oven, generously drizzle it with the warm toffee sauce. Serve it immediately to enjoy that perfect harmony of soft pudding soaked in sticky sweetness.

How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

A single thick square piece of dark brown sticky cake sits on a round white plate with a white marbled texture surface underneath. The cake has a dense, moist texture with small air pockets visible inside. Rich, glossy caramel sauce is being poured from above, flowing over the top center of the cake and pooling around the base, creating a shiny layer on the surface. The sauce shows a smooth, thick consistency with a warm amber color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your sticky toffee pudding, consider topping it with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrasting coolness and creaminess melt beautifully into the rich toffee sauce, adding extra layers of indulgence. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon can also add wonderful texture and aroma.

Side Dishes

This dessert is lovely on its own, but if you want to serve it as part of a meal, consider pairing it with simple, lightly brewed tea or a bold cup of coffee. If you’re catering to adults, a glass of dessert wine or brandy pairs beautifully with the deep caramel and bourbon flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, try serving individual portions in ramekins or small clear glasses layered with the pudding, toffee sauce, and whipped cream for a stunning parfait effect. Another fun idea is to accompany your sticky toffee pudding with homemade spiced nuts or a drizzle of salted caramel for an added flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), cover your sticky toffee pudding tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days, ready for a quick indulgence.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? The pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer bag or container. It can keep for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up your leftover sticky toffee pudding in the microwave or oven until heated through. To revive the signature stickiness, drizzle on some warmed toffee sauce before serving. This refreshes the dessert as if just made.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The pudding will still retain its wonderful texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have bourbon? Can I skip it?

Yes, the bourbon adds a lovely depth and warmth, but you can omit it or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version that is just as delicious.

How do I ensure the pudding stays moist?

Soaking the dates in boiling water and baking soda is key, as it helps soften the dates and tenderizes the batter. Also, be careful not to overbake as that could dry it out.

Can I make the sticky toffee sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and gently reheated on the stove before serving. Just stir it well to bring back its glossy, smooth consistency.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

While this traditional Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe isn’t vegan, you can substitute the butter for plant-based margarine, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and swap the cream and milk with coconut cream or almond milk. It’s an exciting twist to try!

Final Thoughts

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is a soul-warming dessert that’s surprisingly simple to master but guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with loved ones, the combination of moist date sponge and sticky, buttery toffee sauce is nothing short of magical. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite across kitchens worldwide and a delicious classic you’ll want to return to again and again.