Jamie Oliver Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s sticky toffee pudding is a timeless British dessert built around warmth, comfort, and deep caramel flavour. It features a soft, date-rich sponge soaked in a glossy toffee sauce that melts into every bite. The pudding is moist rather than light, rich without being overwhelming, and designed to be served warm for maximum comfort.
This is the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic yet dependable. Jamie Oliver’s sticky toffee pudding works just as well for a family Sunday lunch as it does for a dinner party, especially when paired with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Sticky Toffee Pudding Worth Making

• Deep toffee flavour that comes from dates and proper caramelisation
• Moist sponge texture that stays soft even after reheating
• Classic British dessert loved across generations
• Perfect make-ahead pudding for stress-free entertaining
• Pairs beautifully with custard, cream, or ice cream

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Jamie Oliver’s sticky toffee pudding is a traditional British steamed-style sponge pudding made with chopped dates and covered in a hot toffee sauce. The dates add natural sweetness and moisture, while the sauce soaks into the sponge to create its signature sticky finish.

Jamie Oliver Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients List

For the pudding:

• 200g pitted dates, finely chopped
• 300ml boiling water
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 75g unsalted butter, softened
• 150g soft dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the toffee sauce:

• 200g soft dark brown sugar
• 200ml double cream
• 100g unsalted butter

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Sticky Toffee Pudding – Simple Steps

Step 1: Soften the Dates

Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Leave to soak for 10 minutes until the dates soften and break down slightly, creating a thick, dark mixture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and dark brown sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, tender sponge rather than a heavy one.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to round out the sweetness with warmth.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Fold the date mixture into the batter, then gently fold in the self-raising flour. Mix just until combined to keep the sponge light.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or individual moulds. Bake for 30–35 minutes until risen, and a skewer comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding bakes, place the butter, sugar, and cream in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until melted, then simmer for 5–8 minutes until thick, glossy, and deeply caramel-coloured.

Step 7: Soak and Serve

Pour some of the hot toffee sauce over the pudding as soon as it comes out of the oven. Serve warm with extra sauce on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Chopping dates too large
• Skipping the soaking step
• Overmixing the batter
• Cooking the sauce on high heat
• Serving the pudding cold

Best Things to Serve With Jamie Oliver Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Hot custard for a classic pairing
• Vanilla ice cream for contrast
• Pouring cream for richness
• Lightly whipped cream for balance
• Extra toffee sauce for indulgence

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Sticky Toffee Pudding Just Right

• Use soft dark brown sugar for depth
• Let the dates fully soften for moisture
• Simmer the sauce gently to avoid splitting
• Serve warm for the best texture
• Make ahead and reheat to deepen flavour

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver’s Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
• Stir espresso powder into the sauce
• Use muscovado sugar for intensity
• Add orange zest to the batter
• Finish with flaky sea salt on the sauce

Can Sticky Toffee Pudding Be Made Ahead?

Yes, the pudding can be baked a day ahead and reheated gently. The flavour often improves as the sponge absorbs more sauce.

Best Way to Store Sticky Toffee Pudding

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible for easier reheating.

Best Ways to Reheat Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Oven: Cover and warm at 160°C
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts
• Sauce: Reheat gently on the stovetop

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fat: 26g
• Protein: 6g
• Fibre: 3g

FAQs

Why does sticky toffee pudding stay so moist?

The moisture comes from softened dates and the hot toffee sauce poured over the sponge. The dates hold water, and the sauce soaks in, keeping the pudding soft even after reheating.

Can Jamie Oliver’s sticky toffee pudding be made in advance?

Yes, the sponge can be baked a day ahead and reheated before serving. Many people find the flavour improves once the pudding has rested and absorbed more sauce.

Do I need to use dates in sticky toffee pudding?

Yes, dates are essential. They provide natural sweetness, moisture, and the deep caramel flavour that defines sticky toffee pudding.

How do I stop the toffee sauce from splitting?

Keep the heat low and stir gently. High heat can cause the butter and cream to separate, so slow simmering is key.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s sticky toffee pudding is the definition of comfort dessert. With its soft, date-filled sponge and rich toffee sauce, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Simple in method yet generous in flavour, it’s a pudding that never goes out of style and always feels worth the effort.

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Twice-Baked Cheese Soufflé
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fish Pie
• Jamie Oliver Black Forest Trifle

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