Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding

There’s something magical about walking into a home filled with the warm, sweet aroma of Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding baking in the oven. After a long, chilly day, this classic British dessert transforms ordinary moments into special occasions with its rich caramel notes and comforting texture. What began as a simple way to use stale bread has evolved into one of the most beloved desserts in British cuisine, especially with the decadent sticky toffee twist.

This Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding combines the traditional bread and butter pudding with the deep, complex flavors of sticky toffee pudding. The brioche bread soaks up the creamy custard while chunks of Medjool dates melt into pockets of caramel-like sweetness. Each bite offers layers of flavor – from the crunchy caramelized top to the soft, pudding-like interior – making it the perfect dessert for both casual family dinners and special celebrations.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special, this easy Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly little effort. Let’s dive into creating this showstopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding

• ✅ Ready in just 1 hour with minimal hands-on time – perfect for how to make sticky toffee bread and butter pudding when entertaining guests
• ✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients combined with luxurious Medjool dates for best sticky toffee bread and butter pudding ingredients balance
• ✅ Incredible make-ahead sticky toffee bread and butter pudding for special occasions that actually improves in flavor overnight
• ✅ The buttery brioche creates the creamy sticky toffee bread and butter pudding texture that’s impossible to resist
• ✅ Versatile recipe with easy sticky toffee bread and butter pudding variations to suit your preferences
• ✅ The homemade toffee sauce elevates this to decadent sticky toffee bread and butter pudding territory with minimal effort

Ingredients for Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding

For the Pudding Base:

• 750ml semi-skimmed milk
• 180g Medjool dates (about 10-12), pitted and chopped into 5mm chunks
• 2 tbsp soft dark brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 5 medium eggs
• ½ tbsp black treacle (or molasses)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 400g brioche loaf, cut into 1cm slices, then halved into triangles

For the Toffee Sauce:

• 60g soft dark brown sugar
• 15g butter
• 70ml double cream
• ½ tbsp black treacle (or molasses)

To Serve (Optional):

• Vanilla or caramel ice cream
• Extra toffee sauce for drizzling

Ingredient Notes:

• For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the custard mixture by 1 tablespoon
• Regular sliced white bread can substitute brioche for a more traditional sticky toffee bread and butter pudding flavor
• Dried figs can replace dates if needed, though the best sticky toffee bread and butter pudding ingredients include Medjool dates for their natural caramel flavor
• Light cream can replace double cream in the toffee sauce for a slightly lighter option

How to Make Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 160°C/140°C fan/gas mark 3. Grease a 2-liter ovenproof dish with a little butter. Pit and chop the dates into small chunks about 5mm in size.

Step 2: Create the Custard Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and black treacle until well combined. Warm the milk in a saucepan until just below simmering point, then slowly pour it into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Step 3: Add Flavor Elements

Stir the chopped dates and ground cinnamon into the custard mixture. The warm milk will help soften the dates slightly, releasing their caramel-like flavor throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Brioche

Butter each triangle of brioche lightly on one side. This creates the classic traditional sticky toffee bread and butter pudding flavors when baked, with beautifully crisp edges.

Step 5: Assemble the Pudding

Arrange half of the brioche triangles, butter-side up, in the greased dish, slightly overlapping them. Scatter half of the date pieces over the brioche, then repeat with the remaining brioche and dates, creating layers.

Step 6: Add the Custard

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered brioche, making sure all the bread is soaked. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to help the brioche absorb the custard. Let it stand for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure the bread fully absorbs the liquid.

Step 7: Bake the Pudding

Place the dish in a larger roasting tin and add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the pudding dish (creating a bain-marie). Bake for 35-40 minutes until the custard is just set but still has a slight wobble in the center.

Step 8: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding bakes, make the sticky toffee bread and butter pudding with caramel sauce. Put the brown sugar, butter, and black treacle in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then add the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding

• Use day-old brioche for better absorption of the custard mixture
• Don’t rush the soaking process – giving the bread time to absorb the custard is key to creamy sticky toffee bread and butter pudding tips
• The bain-marie method prevents the custard from curdling and ensures even cooking
• For extra richness, brush the top with melted butter halfway through baking
• Test for doneness by gently pressing the center – it should feel set but with a slight jiggle
• For decadent sticky toffee bread and butter pudding techniques, drizzle some of the toffee sauce over the pudding during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy, caramelized top

Best Ways to Serve Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding

This dessert shines when served warm with a generous drizzle of the hot toffee sauce. For the ultimate sticky toffee bread and butter pudding serving suggestions, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream on top.

For dinner parties, individual portions served in ramekins make for elegant sticky toffee bread and butter pudding dessert ideas. Simply reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes for individual servings.

During the holiday season, add a teaspoon of orange zest and a splash of brandy to the custard for sticky toffee bread and butter pudding for special occasions with festive flair.

Storage & Leftovers

This Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with foil and reheat in a preheated 160°C oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

The toffee sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Gently reheat in a small saucepan or microwave before serving.

For longer storage, this pudding freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

Nutritional Information for Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sugar: 38g
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding?

The secret to exceptional Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding lies in the quality of ingredients, particularly the dates and brioche. Using Medjool dates adds natural caramel notes, while good-quality brioche provides the perfect buttery base. Allowing adequate soaking time and baking in a water bath ensures the pudding has that perfect creamy interior with a crisp top.

Can I make Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert actually improves with time. You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Let it come to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, bake it ahead, cool completely, and reheat covered with foil in a 160°C oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

What are some easy sticky toffee bread and butter pudding variations?

Try adding 50g of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, substitute the cinnamon with mixed spice or cardamom for different flavor profiles, or add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to the custard for an adult version. For a chocolate twist, add 50g of chopped dark chocolate between the layers.

How do I know when my Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding is perfectly cooked?

The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center has a slight wobble when gently shaken. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean but still have a bit of moisture. Remember that the pudding continues to set as it cools.

Conclusion

This Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding brilliantly combines two beloved British desserts into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply wanting to create a special family dessert, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with relatively little effort.

The contrast between the crisp, caramelized top and the soft, custardy interior creates a dessert that’s far greater than the sum of its simple parts. With its make-ahead potential and crowd-pleasing appeal, this Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding deserves a regular spot in your dessert rotation.

Why not try making this Sticky Toffee Bread and Butter Pudding this weekend? We’d love to hear how it turned out and any personal touches you added to make it your own. Share your experience in the comments below!

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