If you are searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that combines the warmth of fall spices with luxurious sweetness, you have to try this Vegan Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe. This dish takes the classic sticky toffee pudding concept and reinvents it with tender apples and a cinnamon-spiced sponge that is both soft and gooey. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast between the fruity apple pieces and the rich, luscious toffee sauce that soaks into the cake. It’s an absolute showstopper that feels indulgent without using any animal products, perfect for sharing with friends and family on a chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four-step collage shows the process of making apple batter. The first image has a clear glass bowl with dry white flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder layered. The second image adds a thick beige batter with chunks of apple on top of the dry ingredients, half covering them. The third image shows the batter fully mixed, light brown with small apple pieces evenly spread inside, held in a clear glass bowl with a white spatula. The fourth image shows the batter poured evenly in a lined square white baking pan, light brown with visible apple bits, and a woman's hand smoothing the top with a small spatula. Apples, cinnamon sticks, and small autumn leaf shaped dishes surround the setup on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vegan Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe lies in its carefully chosen, simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the natural sweetness of medjool dates to the cozy warmth of cinnamon, and the creamy texture of vegan butter and dairy-free cream. Together, they create layers of flavor and a tender, moist texture that make this dessert truly unforgettable.

Medjool dates (1 cup, pitted and chopped): Sweet and rich, these bring natural caramel notes essential to the sticky toffee flavor.
Dairy-free milk (1 ⅓ cup): Adds moisture and helps soften the dates for a smooth blend.
Vegan butter (½ cup, chilled): Provides richness and a buttery mouthfeel without dairy.
Apples (2 medium, peeled and chopped): Adds juicy bursts and a gentle tartness that balances the sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cup, spoon and leveled): The base for the sponge, giving it the necessary structure.
Light brown sugar (½ cup packed for pudding, ¾ cup for sauce): Gives depth and warmth to both pudding and toffee sauce.
Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Leavens the cake to keep it light yet moist.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Reacts with acidic ingredients for extra tenderness.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon for pudding, ½ teaspoon for sauce): Infuses a cozy, spicy aroma that defines the dish.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweetness for perfect balance.
Dairy-free cream (1 ½ cups): Creates a smooth, dreamy toffee sauce that glazes the pudding beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sauce with a subtle, sweet warmth.

How to Make Vegan Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Date Mixture

Start by cooking chopped medjool dates with dairy-free milk over medium heat. This gentle simmer softens the dates until they practically melt, releasing their natural sweetness. Once soft, blend or mash the mixture — you can keep some chunks if you like a bit of texture in the pudding. Stir in chilled vegan butter and the diced apples, which melt into the warm mix and add delightful fruity pockets. Leave this to cool until warm or at room temperature, so it blends well with the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Pudding Batter

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare your baking dish or molds with parchment or vegan butter. In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These staples form the tender, spiced base of the pudding. Fold in your cooled apple-date mixture gently until everything comes together just right — careful not to overmix, or the sponge won’t be as light and fluffy.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan or molds, spreading evenly. Bake squares for about 42-47 minutes or individual puddings for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell of cinnamon and toffee developing in your oven will be irresistible. Once baked, remove from the oven and set on a cooling rack, ready for the crowning glory — the toffee sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Toffee Sauce

While your pudding bakes, combine dairy-free cream, light brown sugar, vegan butter, vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Let this simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a golden, luscious consistency. The process takes 5-10 minutes and fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma imaginable. Adjust cooking time to make the sauce as thick or as pourable as you prefer — both work wonderfully.

Step 5: Serve with Sauce and Enjoy

As soon as your pudding has cooled just slightly, use a toothpick to pierce holes in the surface and pour over half a cup of the warm toffee sauce, allowing it to seep deep into the sponge. For individual puddings, spoon about a tablespoon of sauce on each. Slice, serve hot or warm, and drizzle generously with more toffee sauce. Add a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or dairy-free custard for the ultimate indulgence.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a square baked cake in a metal baking pan lined with parchment paper. The cake itself is golden brown with a slightly uneven surface full of small holes, pierced by a woman's hand holding a skewer on the left side. On the right side, the same cake is seen with a thick, glossy brown sauce being poured in swirls over the top, creating a rich, sticky layer that contrasts with the dry cake underneath. The background is a white marbled texture with red apples in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little extra effort on garnishes makes this Vegan Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe stand out. Freshly chopped toasted walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft cake. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or dusting of powdered sugar can make each plate look stunning. For a pop of color and brightness, add a few fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint on the side.

Side Dishes

This pudding shines as the star dessert but pairs beautifully with sides like plant-based vanilla ice cream or a creamy dollop of vegan whipped cream. For a warm and cozy touch, dairy-free custard is another fantastic partner, enriching every bite with smoothness and extra comfort. Serve alongside a warm cup of chai tea or black coffee to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try serving this pudding in individual ramekins or muffin molds with the toffee sauce stirred through, offering personalized portions that look elegant and inviting. Another lovely idea is layering crumbled pudding with vegan custard or whipped cream in a glass for a deconstructed trifle effect. No matter the presentation, this Vegan Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe promises a feast for the eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Store the leftover cake and toffee sauce separately in airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor. Having the sauce stored apart allows you to warm it fresh each time, keeping that rich, gooey texture intact.

Freezing

You can freeze both the pudding and sauce successfully. Wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and keep the toffee sauce in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the pudding gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, then pour over warmed toffee sauce for a perfect revival of flavor and texture. Avoid overheating to keep the pudding moist and the sauce silky. This makes it easy to enjoy this delicious dessert even days after baking.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears or even chunks of pumpkin puree could work nicely, adding their own twist. Just pick fruits that hold some texture and pair well with cinnamon and caramel flavors.

What can I substitute for medjool dates?

If you don’t have medjool dates, dried dates will work as well — just add a splash more plant milk to keep the mixture smooth. Other dried fruits like prunes or figs could also be experimented with for a slightly different taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free adaptable?

With some tweaks it can be. You could try replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but keep in mind texture might vary slightly. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

How important is the toffee sauce?

The toffee sauce is the luscious heart of this pudding. It soaks into the sponge and adds the signature sticky sweetness that makes the dish unforgettable. Omitting it would take away much of the classic charm.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, this entire recipe is naturally nut-free unless you choose to add nuts as garnish. It’s a safe and delicious option for those avoiding nuts.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Vegan Apple Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe a try. It’s one of those soul-satisfying desserts that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for cold-weather gatherings or anytime you crave something sweet, sticky, and spice-kissed. Once you taste that soft cinnamon sponge soaked in warm toffee and apples, you’ll understand why it’s become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!