Decadent Sticky Date Cake with Rich Toffee Glaze
Indulge in a luxurious dessert that balances moist, sticky dates with the irresistible richness of caramelized toffee sauce. A harmonious blend of textures and flavors, this dessert is perfect for any special occasion or whenever you're in need of a comforting treat. Served warm, the luscious toffee glaze envelops each slice, adding a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. This truly decadent dessert promises to be an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried dates
180 g (pitted, chopped)
baking soda
1 teaspoon
unsalted butter
70 g (divided)
brown sugar
300 g (divided)
eggs
2
self-raising flour
180 g (sifted)
cream
250 ml (or use undiluted carnation light evaporated milk)
vanilla essence
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2
In a heatproof bowl, combine chopped dates and baking soda. Pour 250ml of boiling water over the mixture and set aside to cool to room temperature.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 50g of unsalted butter and 150g of brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5
Gradually fold in the sifted self-raising flour until just incorporated.
6
Gently stir in the date mixture, including the water, until evenly mixed.
7
Transfer the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch deep cake pan.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.
10
For the toffee sauce, combine 150g of brown sugar, 250ml of cream (or evaporated milk), 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence, and 20g of unsalted butter in a saucepan.
11
Stir over low heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.
12
Increase the heat slightly and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
13
To serve, slice the cake and generously drizzle with the hot toffee sauce. Complement with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Sticky Date Cake?
It is a luxurious, moist dessert made with dates and served with a rich, caramelized toffee sauce.
What are the primary ingredients for this cake?
The main ingredients include dried dates, baking soda, unsalted butter, brown sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, and cream.
How many dates do I need?
You will need 180 grams of dried dates that have been pitted and chopped.
What is the purpose of baking soda in the date mixture?
Baking soda helps soften the tough skins of the dried dates and reacts with the acidity to help the cake rise.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 356 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much boiling water is used to soak the dates?
You need 250ml of boiling water to pour over the chopped dates and baking soda mixture.
How much butter is used in the cake batter?
The cake batter requires 50 grams of unsalted butter.
How much brown sugar is used for the cake batter?
You should use 150 grams of brown sugar for the cake mixture.
How many eggs does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 2 eggs, added one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
Self-raising flour is used to ensure the cake has a light and fluffy texture.
What size pan should I use for baking?
An 8-inch deep cake pan that has been greased and floured is recommended.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes to bake thoroughly.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
What ingredients are needed for the toffee sauce?
The sauce is made from 150g brown sugar, 250ml cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence, and 20g unsalted butter.
Can I substitute the cream in the toffee sauce?
Yes, you can use undiluted light evaporated milk as a substitute for the cream.
How do I prepare the toffee sauce?
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat until melted, then simmer for 5 minutes while stirring.
Should the cake be served warm or cold?
The cake is best served warm, generously drizzled with the hot toffee sauce.
What is a good side to serve with this cake?
A scoop of cold vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm cake and toffee sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the self-raising flour helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother batter.
How long should the dates soak?
The dates should soak in the boiling water until the mixture cools to room temperature.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but unsalted is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dessert.
What type of brown sugar should I use?
Standard light or dark brown sugar works well; dark brown sugar will provide a deeper molasses flavor.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavor and decadent glaze make it perfect for festive desserts and celebrations.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be baked in advance and reheated, though the sauce is best made fresh.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the texture of the cake?
The cake has a very moist and dense texture due to the soaked dates.
Why must I stir the toffee sauce constantly?
Stirring constantly prevents the sugar from burning and ensures the sauce remains smooth.
Do I add the soaking water from the dates into the batter?
Yes, you should stir in the entire date mixture, including the water, until evenly mixed.
Can this be called a Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Yes, this recipe is a variation of the classic British Sticky Toffee Pudding.