14 May 2025
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup dates
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ginger root
1 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk (1% fat)
1 egg
1 tbsp corn flour
1 tbsp maple syrup
Sticky date and caramel pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that brings together the rich flavors of dates and caramel. It's perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a deliciously moist pudding with a decadent caramel sauce.
Instructions:
1. Prep Dates:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda over the dates.
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the dates and baking soda. Let it sit and soften for about 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat 1/4 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add the egg to the creamed mixture and beat until well combined.
- Sift in 1 cup of self-raising flour and 1 tablespoon of corn flour.
- Gradually fold in the flour, careful not to over-mix.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the softened dates (including the liquid) and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger root to the batter.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Gently stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
4. Bake:
- Grease and line a baking dish or individual pudding molds.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or molds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Prepare Caramel Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
- While the pudding is baking, you may prepare a simple caramel sauce.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and mix until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Serve:
- Once the pudding is done baking, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the pudding.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Tips:
- Chop the dates finely to ensure they blend well into the pudding mixture.
- Allow the dates to soak in boiling water for about 10 minutes to soften them before mixing.
- Use room temperature butter and egg for a smoother batter.
- Ensure the self-raising flour is fresh to achieve the right rise in your pudding.
- To make the caramel sauce richer, you can add a little heavy cream during the caramel-making process.
Follow these simple steps and tips to create a sticky date and caramel pudding that is sure to impress. The combination of moist, flavorful pudding and rich caramel sauce is the perfect end to any meal, leaving your taste buds delighted and guests asking for seconds.