Description
The Sticky Toffee Date Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream is a rich, steamed or baked sponge cake that relies on a purée of dates for its distinctive color and texture. Unlike a standard chocolate or vanilla cake, this dessert is defined by its interaction with a hot sauce. The “sticky” part of the name refers to the way the toffee sauce—a boiled mixture of butter, sugar, and cream—glazes the exterior and soaks into the interior of the cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 ¼ cups boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Toffee Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Bean Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dates
- Place chopped dates in a bowl.
- Pour boiling water over them and stir in baking soda.
- Let sit for 10 minutes, then mash lightly with a fork.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in softened date mixture until combined.
3. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Make the Toffee Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar.
- Stir in cream and simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add vanilla and keep warm.
5. Make the Vanilla Bean Cream
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla bean seeds until soft peaks form.
6. Serve
- Slice warm cake and drizzle generously with toffee sauce.
- Add a dollop of vanilla bean cream on the side.
Notes
This decadent Sticky Toffee Date Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream is a cozy, irresistible dessert best served warm for that gooey toffee experience—perfect for holidays or chilly evenings! Generously drizzle extra warm toffee sauce over each slice and dollop with the fragrant vanilla bean cream (or whipped cream/ice cream). For added indulgence, top with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or fresh berries for contrast. Pair with hot coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine. Leftovers reheat beautifully—microwave briefly to revive the sticky magic!
- Prep Time: 30minutes
- Cook Time: 40minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1slice
- Calories: 450kcal
Keywords: British sticky toffee pudding recipe, Date sponge cake with toffee sauce, Homemade sticky date cake, Caramelized date dessert with cream, Traditional sticky toffee cake
