A comforting and indulgent dessert featuring a moist date-based sponge cake infused with maple and pecans, topped with a rich maple toffee sauce.
Author:inass sped
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:British
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pudding:
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
For the Maple Toffee Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
Chopped pecans
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Prepare the Dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them sit for about 15 minutes until softened. Mash slightly with a fork.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the date mixture along with the toasted pecans.
Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pudding is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare Maple Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Serve: Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes, then cut it into squares. Serve warm drizzled with generous amounts of the maple toffee sauce. Garnish with chopped pecans and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Using high-quality ingredients like fresh Medjool dates and pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to ensure a moist texture.
The sauce can be made ahead of time and gently reheated.