Recipe: Sticky Date Pudding – The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

sticky date pudding

Sticky date pudding is one of Australia’s most beloved desserts—a rich, moist cake made with sweet dates and served with warm caramel sauce. This indulgent treat is perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply as a comforting dessert. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create the perfect sticky date pudding.

Why Sticky Date Pudding is a Favourite Dessert

Sticky date pudding is loved for its deep caramel flavour, soft texture, and satisfying sweetness. It’s best enjoyed with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making it an ideal dessert for any season.

sticky date pudding

"A well-made sticky date pudding has the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, with a rich, gooey caramel sauce to tie everything together." – Australian Baker’s Journal

This recipe is not just about taste—it’s also an opportunity to refine your baking skills while using high-quality kitchen tools. Investing in the best kitchen knives, paring knife, and a sturdy chopping board wooden will ensure precise and efficient preparation.


Ingredients

For the Pudding:

  • 1 cup (180g) pitted dates, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 cup (250ml) boiling water

  • 125g unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 ½ cups (225g) self-raising flour

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup (250ml) thickened cream

  • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar

  • 60g unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

  • Chopped nuts for extra texture


Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes

  • Total Time: 55 minutes


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dates

Using a paring knife or chef knife professional, finely chop the dates. Place them in a heatproof bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour over boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.

dates

2. Prepare the Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

  2. Grease a 20cm round cake tin or individual ramekins.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until pale and creamy.

  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  5. Stir in vanilla extract and softened dates (including the liquid).

  6. Gently fold in the self-raising flour using a spatula.

batter

3. Bake the Pudding

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin or divide it among ramekins.

  2. Bake for 30–40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

  3. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin.

bake

4. Make the Caramel Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, brown sugar, and butter.

  2. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

  3. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.

caramel sauce

5. Serve and Enjoy

Place the pudding onto a chopping board for kitchen and cut into portions using a best knife for kitchen. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pudding and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Pro Tip: Use a slicing knife to ensure even portions and maintain the pudding’s structure.

sticky date pudding

Knife Skills for Perfect Dessert Preparation

Using the right kitchen knives can make your prep work much easier. Here’s how:

  • Paring knife: Ideal for finely chopping dates and other small ingredients.

  • Chef knife 20cm: Great for precise cutting and ensuring all ingredients are evenly prepared.

  • Chopping board wooden: Provides a stable surface for cutting, preventing slipping.

For top-quality kitchen knives, check out the selection at Ryda Knives AU.


Alternative Versions

1. Gluten-Free Sticky Date Pudding

Substitute the self-raising flour with an equal amount of gluten-free self-raising flour for a gluten-free version.

2. Vegan Sticky Date Pudding

Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flaxseed meal (mixed with water), and use coconut cream in the caramel sauce.

3. Nutty Sticky Date Pudding

Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture.

"Sticky date pudding is a dessert that welcomes creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients!" – Australian Culinary Institute

gluten free sticky date pudding

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Sticky Date Pudding

  • Fresh berries: Adds a tart contrast to the sweetness.

  • Whipped cream or ice cream: A classic pairing.

  • Crushed pistachios or almonds: For extra texture.

fruit salad

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage:

  • Keep pudding in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

  • Store caramel sauce separately in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Reheating:

  • Microwave: Heat slices for 30–40 seconds before serving.

  • Oven: Warm in a preheated oven at 150°C for 10 minutes.

  • Reheat caramel sauce in a saucepan or microwave for 30 seconds.

Did you know? Using a whetstone set regularly keeps your knives sharp, making prep work faster and safer.


Additional Baking Resources

For more inspiration, visit:


Final Thoughts

Sticky date pudding is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dining table. Whether you enjoy the classic version or a customised variation, the key is in the ingredients, technique, and precision tools. Having the best kitchen knives, a paring knife, and a chopping board best suited for baking prep will make the process seamless.

If you're looking for high-quality kitchen tools, explore Ryda Knives AU for a range of knife sets, chef knives online, and carving kitchen knives that will elevate your baking and cooking experience.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your best knife set, and indulge in the comforting sweetness of homemade sticky date pudding. Enjoy!

sticky date pudding