Name: Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 5 Ounces Dates; ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda; ¼ Cup Boiling Water; 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 6 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar; 1 Egg; ½ Cup + 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour; ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ Cup Unsalted Butter; 1 Cup Brown Sugar

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, comforting, and a little bit nostalgic, Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is a must-try. Soft, tender sponge puddings filled with sweet dates are draped in a dreamy toffee sauce for an experience that feels downright magical. Whether you’re bringing everyone together on a chilly evening or ending a special meal with something memorable, this classic British treat offers pure joy in every bite. Every element of this dish works in harmony, and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a celebrated favorite.

Gordon Ramsay's Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to create Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe. Each ingredient has a job to do, from the softening sweetness of dates to the golden glow of brown sugar. Assemble these essentials for a pudding that tastes like pure comfort.

Dates (5 ounces): These form the sweet, sticky backbone for the sponge, adding natural depth and richness.
Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Softens the dates when soaked and helps the pudding lift to a light, airy texture.
Boiling Water (¼ cup): Essential for soaking and plumping the dates, ensuring the pudding is moist and flavorful.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons for pudding, ½ cup for sauce): Creates a buttery smoothness in both the pudding and the luxurious toffee sauce.
Light Brown Sugar (6 tablespoons for pudding, 1 cup for sauce): Provides a warm, caramel flavor in the sponge and intensifies richness in the toffee sauce.
Egg (1 large): Binds the pudding together for that perfect, soft crumb.
All-Purpose Flour (½ cup + 2 tablespoons): Gives the pudding structure without sacrificing tenderness.
Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Lightly lifts the batter for those crave-worthy, moist cakes.

How to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Begin by soaking the dates in a bowl with boiling water and baking soda. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes—this softens the fruit, making it easy to blend smoothly into the batter. For extra flavor, you can quickly sauté the dates in a bit of butter before soaking, which enhances their natural sweetness and creates a fuller flavor base for your pudding.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter with the light brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until pale and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed. This step traps air in your batter and ensures the pudding will have an irresistibly light and tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Crack in the egg and gently mix it into the creamed butter and sugar. It helps to add the egg a little at a time, mixing well between additions, to avoid curdling and to achieve a smooth, consistent batter. Don’t rush—this creates a cohesive base for your sticky toffee pudding.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and baking powder, mixing just until combined. You’ll want to avoid overmixing to keep the sponge wonderfully soft and moist. The baking powder will gently lift the pudding as it bakes, resulting in a perfectly tender texture.

Step 5: Blend in the Dates

Take your soaked dates and blend them (including the soaking liquid) into a smooth puree. Fold this date mixture into the batter until everything is well combined. The dates add that signature sticky richness that sets this British classic apart from any ordinary cake.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Tins

Using a pastry brush, thoroughly grease your muffin tins or ramekins with room-temperature butter. This ensures easy removal after baking and keeps the edges of each pudding delightfully soft.

Step 7: Bake the Puddings

Divide the batter among the prepared tins, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 18 to 20 minutes. The puddings are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking, as sudden drops in temperature can cause the centers to sink.

Step 8: Make the Toffee Sauce

For the signature finish of Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it’s dissolved and bubbling. Once caramelized, stir vigorously until the sauce becomes glossy and deeply aromatic. For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or a pinch of sea salt—just let it simmer gently so the cream doesn’t split.

Step 9: Assemble and Serve

Once the puddings are baked and still warm, turn them out onto serving plates. Generously spoon over the toffee sauce. The warmth from the pudding soaks up the sauce, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for an absolutely unforgettable finish.

How to Serve Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

A classic scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a winner, instantly melting into the warm toffee sauce for a magical contrast. For an upscale twist, try serving with a spoonful of chilled crème fraîche or a dusting of powdered sugar. Even a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top will enhance the caramel flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with bold British flair. A pot of black tea or a milky Earl Grey pairs perfectly with Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe. For festive occasions, offer a drizzle of double cream or warm custard on the side to take it up another notch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, bake the pudding in individual ramekins for a charming, single-serve touch—great for dinner parties. Alternatively, serve slices of a larger pudding on rustic wooden boards, or even layer pieces in a tall glass with cream and stewed apples for a trifle-inspired twist. However you style it, that rich, glossy toffee sauce remains the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra puddings will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply place them in an airtight container, with a layer of parchment between each to prevent sticking, and store the toffee sauce separately so it stays rich and pourable.

Freezing

Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Allow the puddings to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to two months. Store the toffee sauce in a separate, airtight, freezer-safe container.

Reheating

To enjoy your pudding again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm individual puddings in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, or reheat larger portions covered in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until just heated through. Gently rewarm the toffee sauce in a saucepan, stirring so it stays silky before pouring it over the pudding.

FAQs

Can I make Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum for the best texture and rise.

What makes the toffee sauce so glossy and rich?

The high ratio of butter to brown sugar, plus gentle caramelization, gives the toffee sauce its irresistible sheen and deep flavor. If you want an even silkier finish, whisk in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of golden syrup.

Do I have to soak the dates, or can I skip this step?

Soaking is essential! It softens the dates and lets them blend seamlessly into the batter, creating the signature sticky texture characteristic of Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe.

Can I assemble the pudding in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely. Bake the puddings and make the sauce the day before, then simply reheat and assemble right before serving. This makes entertaining so much easier, and the flavors often deepen overnight.

What if I don’t have ramekins or muffin tins?

No worries! You can bake the batter in a standard 8-inch square or round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness with a toothpick after about 25 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that guarantees delighted faces and empty plates, give Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe a try. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to win hearts, blending old-school comfort with a chef’s touch. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve it!