Hamdi Saidani Nigella Lawson Easy Sticky-Toffee Dessert is made of moist date sponge cake soaked in sweet toffee sauce. It serves 6 and takes about 40 minutes to make. It’s soft, sticky, buttery, and a classic British dessert everyone will love!
🤎 Why You’ll Love This Nigella Lawson Easy Sticky-Toffee Dessert:
- Rich, buttery flavor: Every bite is sweet, sticky, and comforting.
- No special tools needed: Just one pan and a small pot for sauce.
- Classic British dessert: A timeless recipe loved worldwide.
- Perfect for cold nights: Warm sponge and sauce are cozy and satisfying.
- Impressive but easy: Looks fancy, but it’s simple enough for any beginner baker.
- Customizable toppings: Add whipped cream, nuts, or even sea salt for a twist.
- Freezer-friendly: You can freeze it and reheat when needed.
🍯 Ingredients:
For the sponge:
- 1 cup pitted dates (chopped)
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup self-raising flour
For the toffee sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🥮 Directions:
- Soften the dates: Pour boiling water over the chopped dates. Stir in baking soda and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Make the batter: Cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Mix in the flour, then add the softened date mixture.
- Bake the sponge: Pour batter into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Add cream and vanilla. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thick.
- Assemble and serve: Pour the warm toffee sauce over the hot cake. Serve slices with more sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
✅ Recipe Tips:
- Use soft dates: Medjool dates work best for a moist sponge. If dates are dry, soak them longer.
- Don’t skip the baking soda soak: This softens the dates and helps the cake rise and become tender.
- Cream butter well: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy for a lighter cake texture.
- Check your oven early: Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking the sponge.
- Use a wide pan: A shallow dish helps the cake bake evenly and absorb more sauce.
- Make extra sauce: Double the toffee sauce if you like it super sticky or want some for ice cream.
- Reheat leftovers gently: Warm the dessert in the microwave with extra sauce for a gooey texture.
🍨 What To Serve With Sticky-Toffee Dessert?
Serve Sticky-Toffee Dessert with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche. For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of sea salt. A cup of hot coffee or black tea pairs perfectly with each sticky bite.
🧊 How To Store Sticky-Toffee Dessert?
- In the fridge: Store leftover sticky-toffee dessert and sauce separately in airtight containers refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- In the freezer: Wrap slices of leftover sticky-toffee dessert and freeze for up to 1 month. Store the sauce in a small container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
🔥 How To Reheat Leftover Sticky-Toffee Dessert?
- Microwave method: Place a slice of leftover sticky-toffee dessert on a plate, pour over sauce, and heat in the microwave for 30–40 seconds until hot.
- Oven method: Cover leftover sticky-toffee dessert with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. Heat the sauce separately and pour over.
❓ FAQs
What is an easy sticky-toffee dessert?
An easy sticky-toffee dessert is a soft and moist sponge cake made with chopped dates, then soaked in a buttery toffee sauce. It’s rich, sweet, and has a caramel-like flavor.
Why are dates used in sticky-toffee dessert?
Dates are the key ingredient in sticky-toffee dessert because they add natural sweetness and moisture to the sponge. When soaked in boiling water with baking soda, they become soft and blend easily into the batter.
Can I make sticky-toffee dessert without dates?
While dates are traditional, you can substitute them with prunes, figs, or even mashed bananas for a different version however, the classic sticky-toffee texture and taste come from dates.
What kind of sauce is poured over sticky-toffee dessert?
Sticky-toffee dessert is topped with a warm toffee sauce made from butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. The sauce is rich and creamy, with a deep caramel flavor that soaks into the sponge and makes the dessert extra indulgent.
Can I make sticky-toffee dessert ahead of time?
Yes, sticky-toffee dessert is great for making ahead. You can bake the sponge a day or two before and store it in the fridge. The toffee sauce can also be prepared and reheated when serving.
How long does sticky-toffee dessert take to bake?
Sticky-toffee dessert usually bakes in 30–35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The sponge is ready when it’s golden brown, risen, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
What can I do if the sponge turns out dry?
If your sponge turns out dry, pour extra warm toffee sauce over it and let it soak for a few minutes before serving. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to add moisture.
📊 Sticky-Toffee Dessert Nutrition Facts (example per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
