Sticky Toffee Pudding

• 155 g pitted dates
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda, half
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4
• 3 teaspoons sea salt, 1/4
• nutmeg, to taste
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cups light brown sugar, 3/4
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 80 ml Lyle's golden syrup
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup salted butter, half

Preparation

1. Step 1

   0:20
   Dice the pitted dates into small pieces.
2. Step 2

   0:35
   Place dates in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3

   3:16
   Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking up the dates as they soften.
4. Step 4

   4:52
   Stir in the baking soda, then use a hand blender to process the mixture into a smooth paste. Set aside to cool.
5. Step 5

   6:04
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
6. Step 6

   7:03
   In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until homogeneous.
7. Step 7

   8:36
   Mix in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Step 8
   Incorporate the cooled date paste into the wet mixture.
9. Step 9
   Gently fold in the dry flour mixture in two batches.
10. Step 10

    8:39
    Grease an 8x8 baking pan with butter and pour in the batter, smoothing the top.
11. Step 11 · 350°F / 177°C
    Bake at 350F for 35 minutes.
12. Step 12

    8:56
    While the cake bakes, combine brown sugar, butter, golden syrup, and molasses in a saucepan over medium heat.
13. Step 13
    Once melted, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the first cup of heavy cream.
14. Step 14
    Continue to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
15. Step 15
    Finish the sauce by stirring in salt, vanilla, honey, and the second cup of heavy cream.
16. Step 16 · 350°F / 177°C
    Pour some of the toffee sauce over the baked cake and return to the oven for 5 minutes at 350F.
17. Step 17

    8:58
    Let the cake rest for 3 minutes before serving with additional sauce and ice cream.