Decadent Chocolate Date Pudding with Whiskey-Infused Butterscotch Sauce
Indulge in the luxurious richness of this Decadent Chocolate Date Pudding paired with a velvety Whiskey-Infused Butterscotch Sauce. This classic dessert, inspired by an Australian favorite, is perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself. The pudding bursts with the sweetness of pitted dried dates and the deep flavor of dark chocolate, creating a moist, sticky delight. The optional whiskey in the sauce adds a sophisticated twist that beautifully complements the sweetness. Best of all, leftovers can be stored for up to three days, allowing you to savor this indulgence at your leisure. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dessert promises to be a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pitted dried dates
250 g (8.8 oz.) (Chopped, if necessary.)
Cold water
1 1/4 cups (N/A)
Bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Butter
125 g (4.4 oz.) (Chopped)
Brown sugar
1 cup (Firmly packed)
Eggs
3 (N/A)
Self-raising flour
1 1/2 cups (Or substitute with 1 cup + 2 Tbsp. flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, and 3/4 tsp. salt.)
Dark chocolate
100 g (3.5 oz.) (Finely chopped)
Double cream
To serve (Can also use whipped or beaten mascarpone for a thicker sauce.)
Brown sugar (for sauce)
3/4 cup (Firmly packed)
Cream (for sauce)
1 cup (N/A)
Butter (for sauce)
75 g (2.65 oz. or 16 tsp.) (Chopped)
Whiskey
1 tablespoon (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for a convection oven), which is approximately 350°F (320°F). Prepare a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan by greasing it and lining the base and sides with baking paper.
2
In a saucepan, combine the pitted dried dates with 1 1/4 cups of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then remove it from the heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Allow it to stand for 15 minutes.
3
Blend the date mixture in a food processor until it reaches a smooth consistency.
4
In a mixing bowl, place the chopped butter and firmly packed brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
5
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
6
Carefully fold in the flour, finely chopped dark chocolate, and the blended date mixture until just combined.
7
Spread the pudding batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
While the pudding is baking, prepare the whiskey-infused butterscotch sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the firmly packed brown sugar, cream, and chopped butter. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
9
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
10
If using, stir in the whiskey once off the heat. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
11
Serve slices of the warm pudding drizzled with the butterscotch sauce and a generous dollop of cream (whipped, double, or mascarpone) on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Date Pudding with Whiskey-Infused Butterscotch Sauce?
It is a luxurious dessert inspired by an Australian favorite, featuring a moist chocolate and date-based pudding topped with a rich, boozy butterscotch sauce.
What type of dates are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 250 g (8.8 oz.) of pitted dried dates.
How should the dates be prepared initially?
The dates should be chopped if necessary, then boiled in 1 1/4 cups of cold water and mixed with bicarbonate of soda.
Why is bicarbonate of soda added to the date mixture?
Bicarbonate of soda helps soften the dates and creates the characteristic sticky texture of the pudding.
How long should the date mixture stand after boiling?
The mixture should stand for 15 minutes before being processed.
Do I need to blend the dates?
Yes, you should blend the date mixture in a food processor until it reaches a smooth consistency.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), or 160°C (320°F) if using a convection oven.
What size cake pan should I use?
A 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan is recommended for this pudding.
How do I prepare the cake pan?
Grease the pan and line the base and sides with baking paper to prevent sticking.
How long should I beat the butter and brown sugar?
Using an electric mixer, beat the chopped butter and brown sugar for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
How many eggs are needed and how should they be added?
The recipe requires 3 eggs, which should be added one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
Can I substitute self-raising flour if I don't have any?
Yes, you can substitute 1 1/2 cups of self-raising flour with 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. baking powder, and 3/4 tsp. salt.
What kind of chocolate is used in the pudding?
The recipe uses 100 g (3.5 oz.) of finely chopped dark chocolate.
How long does the pudding take to bake?
The pudding should bake for approximately 1 hour.
How can I tell if the pudding is finished baking?
Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.
What are the ingredients for the butterscotch sauce?
The sauce consists of 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup cream, 75 g chopped butter, and optional whiskey.
How is the whiskey-infused butterscotch sauce prepared?
Combine sugar, cream, and butter in a pan over low heat until sugar dissolves, then boil and simmer for 4 minutes.
When should I add the whiskey to the sauce?
The whiskey should be stirred in after the sauce has been removed from the heat.
How much whiskey is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of whiskey, though it is optional.
Can I make the sauce without alcohol?
Yes, the whiskey is optional and the sauce will still be a delicious butterscotch without it.
What should I serve with the pudding?
It is best served warm with the butterscotch sauce and a dollop of cream, such as whipped cream, double cream, or mascarpone.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored for up to three days.
Should this dessert be served warm or cold?
While it is delicious warm, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used across the pudding and the sauce.
What makes the butterscotch sauce thicker?
Simmering the mixture for 4 minutes helps it thicken; you can also use beaten mascarpone for a thicker serving option.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, chocolate, pudding, sticky date, butterscotch, whiskey, sweet, rich, decadent, and baking.
Is this recipe good for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for family, friends, and special occasions.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients and date mixture?
Carefully fold the flour, chopped chocolate, and blended dates into the butter and egg mixture until just combined.
What kind of sugar is best for the pudding?
Firmly packed brown sugar is used to provide a deep, caramelized flavor.
How much butter is used for the sauce specifically?
The sauce requires 75 g of chopped butter, which is approximately 16 teaspoons.