Name: Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492356H33M57S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 280g / 9 oz pitted dates, roughly chopped; 1 tsp baking soda / bicarbonate of soda; 1 cup boiling water; 1/4 cup brown sugar, loosely packed; 80g / 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 2 eggs, at room temperature; 1 1/4 cups plain flour (all purpose flour); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed; 1 1/2 cups thickened cream (heavy cream); 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste; 70g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter; Ice cream or dolloping cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day, look no further than this Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe. This classic treat brings together the rich sweetness of dates soaked into a tender, moist cake, paired perfectly with the indulgent golden butterscotch sauce and a cool swirl of cream or ice cream. Each mouthful melts in your mouth and is the perfect balance of sticky, sweet, and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend dessert, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a chunky, thick brown mixture that has a glossy texture. Visible in the mixture are small pieces of soft cooked food with a slightly uneven surface, mixed in a rich, thick sauce that looks sticky and shiny. A metal utensil with a black handle is partially inside the bowl, pressing into the mixture, showing some motion as it mashes. The color of the sauce ranges from dark to medium brown, with some lighter and darker bits spread evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe, all the ingredients are simple yet essential, creating layers of flavor and texture that blend beautifully. From the naturally sweet dates that keep the pudding moist, to the buttery richness of the sauce, every component plays a starring role.

280g pitted dates, roughly chopped: These bring natural sweetness and a luscious, chewy texture to the pudding.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps to soften the dates and lighten the pudding’s crumb.
1 cup boiling water: Used to soak the dates, creating that classic sticky base.
1/4 cup brown sugar (loosely packed): Adds caramel notes and contributes to the moistness of the date mixture.
80g unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the batter with richness and a tender crumb.
2 eggs, at room temperature: Bind everything together and give structure.
1 1/4 cups plain flour (all-purpose): The foundation of the puddings, ensuring a light but sturdy texture.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Acts as a rising agent to keep the pudding fluffy.
1 cup tightly packed brown sugar: For that irresistible sweetness in the butterscotch sauce.
1 1/2 cups thickened cream (heavy cream): Creates the silky texture and depth in the sauce and the cream on the side.
1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste: Adds warm aromatic notes to the sauce.
70g unsalted butter: The base of the butterscotch sauce, giving it that smooth, dreamy finish.
Ice cream or dolloping cream: For serving, offering a beautiful contrast between hot and cold.

How to Make Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Begin by placing the chopped dates into a bowl and sprinkle them with the baking soda. Pour over the boiling water and let them soak for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and slightly mushy. Then mash the dates using a potato masher or fork until the mixture resembles a thick, sloppy porridge. This soaking and mashing process is what gives the pudding its famously sticky and moist texture.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/4 cup brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a silky batter. Then sift the flour and baking powder over the mix and gently fold it in just until combined. The magic happens when you quickly incorporate the mashed dates, folding them into the batter for that perfect sticky sweetness throughout.

Step 3: Baking Your Pudding

You have two options here: bake as one large pudding or make individual ones. For the large pudding, pour the batter into a lined 8-inch square pan and bake at 180°C/350°F for about 35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. For individual puddings, fill greased pudding molds two-thirds full and bake for 25 minutes. Either way, once baked, poke holes in the surface and generously pour over butterscotch sauce to soak in, giving that signature sticky quality.

Step 4: Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce

While your pudding bakes, create the luscious butterscotch sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cream, and vanilla bean paste, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring once, until thick and glossy. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to pour over your pudding.

How to Serve Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe

A single square piece of dark brown sticky cake with a moist and dense texture sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. On top of the cake is a round scoop of creamy white vanilla ice cream. Thick, golden caramel sauce is being poured from above, covering the ice cream and flowing over the sides of the cake, pooling slightly on the plate. The caramel sauce contrasts with the white ice cream and dark cake, creating a rich and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dessert to something truly special. A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts deliciously on warm sticky pudding. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle toasted chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon to complement the butterscotch flavors.

Side Dishes

This pudding stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with crisp poached pears or caramelized bananas adds a fresh fruit element that cuts through the dessert’s richness. A cup of strong coffee or robust black tea also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe in individual ramekins or pudding molds turns it into an impressive individual dessert. For a fun twist, try layering pieces of pudding with whipped cream and butterscotch sauce in a glass to create a stunning trifle effect. This layered presentation is perfect for sharing at parties or festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover pudding covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dessert without the need to bake fresh every time.

Freezing

This Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe freezes brilliantly. Wrap individual puddings tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store the entire large cake in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your pudding gently in the microwave or oven until hot throughout—this will bring back that soft, sticky texture. Pour over warm butterscotch sauce and add fresh cream or ice cream for a dessert that tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar in the butterscotch sauce?

Brown sugar is essential for that rich, deep caramel flavor in butterscotch sauce, but light muscovado sugar works well too if you want an even more intense molasses taste. White sugar won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Is it necessary to soak the dates in boiling water?

Yes, soaking the dates softens them and activates the baking soda, which helps break down the fruit fibers, resulting in a smooth, moist pudding. Skipping this step may lead to a drier texture.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to achieve the best texture.

What is the best way to serve this pudding warm?

Serve your pudding freshly warmed with a generous drizzle of the warm butterscotch sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This contrast of hot and cold is irresistible.

Can I prepare the butterscotch sauce in advance?

Yes, the butterscotch sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving to restore its silky texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Cream Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that everyone will rave about. Its wonderful combination of deep caramel flavors, succulent date sweetness, and luxuriously smooth cream make it utterly irresistible. Once you try it, spooning it out warm with that golden butterscotch sauce dripping down, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. So go ahead, bake it for your next dessert gathering or simply treat yourself—you deserve that cozy indulgence.