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As the cool winds of winter set in and the scent of baked goods fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a warm dessert that wraps you in comfort. This Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding is more than just a sugary indulgence; it’s a celebration of flavors that instantly elevates any occasion, whether you’re gathered with family during the holidays or enjoying a cozy evening on the couch.

Picture this: a rich, moist sponge cake cradled by sweet Medjool dates, all drenched in a luscious warm toffee sauce that glistens invitingly. The best part? You don’t have to compromise on taste for dietary needs. This recipe caters to gluten sensitivities while delighting all dessert lovers alike!

Join me as I guide you through this easy yet impressive treat that’s bound to become a favorite, not just for those avoiding gluten, but for everyone who craves a slice of heartfelt homemade goodness. Let’s dive into this delicious journey and make your kitchen the warmest spot this season!

Why is Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding a must-try?

Decadent sweetness: This dessert envelops you in a warm embrace of rich toffee and soft sponge, making your taste buds sing.
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone will love this gluten-free adaptation at family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Versatile options: Try adding chocolate or spices for unique twists that suit any palate.
Comforting classic: This pudding is the ultimate winter treat, ensuring no one misses out on delicious desserts.

Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding
• Medjool Dates – Adds natural sweetness and richness to the sponge; ensure stones are removed before use.
• Boiling Water – Softens dates for easier blending into the batter; essential for the initial preparation stage.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the pudding; consider using pure extract for best results.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides moisture and flavor to both the pudding and sauce; can be substituted with a vegan alternative.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Adds depth and caramel notes; can substitute with coconut sugar for a lighter flavor.
• Caster Sugar – Sweetens the sponge and helps achieve a light texture; granulated sugar can be used in a pinch but may alter texture slightly.
• Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients for the sponge; use room temperature eggs for optimal mixing.
• Self-Raising Gluten Free Flour – Key for the structure of the cake; ensure it is labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
• Bicarbonate of Soda – Helps the sponge rise; do not omit for the fluffiest cake.

For the Toffee Sauce
• Double Cream – Essential for a thick, creamy sauce; can be replaced with a non-dairy cream alternative.

This Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding combines flavors, textures, and comfort into one delightful dessert that everyone can enjoy!

How to Make Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding

Chop Dates: Finely chop the Medjool dates and place them in a saucepan. Add boiling water and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until softened. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (Fan 160°C / Gas Mark 4). This ensures a perfectly baked pudding.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This will help to create a moist and airy texture.
Add Eggs: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures each egg is fully incorporated into the batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in the self-raising gluten free flour and bicarbonate of soda into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix gently until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
Fold in Dates: Carefully fold in the cooled date mixture into the batter, ensuring it’s well-distributed for flavor and moisture throughout the pudding.
Bake Pudding: Grease a 30cm x 20cm baking dish with butter, pour in the batter, and bake for 30-35 minutes. The pudding should pull away from the sides and spring back when touched.
Make Toffee Sauce: For the sauce, melt the remaining butter, dark brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a pan over low heat. Once dissolved, mix in double cream and bring to a gentle boil, simmering for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the warm toffee sauce over the baked pudding and serve immediately, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the toffee sauce for a delightful flavor contrast.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding

Mixing Matters: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour; this can lead to a dense pudding. Aim for a light and fluffy texture.
Cool Down: Let the pudding cool slightly before pouring on the toffee sauce. This prevents the sauce from soaking in too quickly, maintaining the perfect balance of flavors.
Date Choices: Use high-quality Medjool dates for optimal sweetness and texture. If unavailable, consider other dried fruits like figs for a unique variation.
Storage Solutions: This Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding can be frozen before adding the sauce for up to three months—just defrost in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Serving Style: For added indulgence, serve warm pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of custard. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavor even further!

How to Store and Freeze Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding

Room Temperature: Store your pudding in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and ready to enjoy.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warm.
Freezer: You can freeze the gluten free sticky toffee pudding before adding the sauce for up to 3 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap and seal in a freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding the toffee sauce just before serving.

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Puddings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sponge cake up to 24 hours in advance by following the steps until the baking stage; simply cover the batter with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The toffee sauce can be made ahead as well and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. This allows you to save time on busy days while still delivering a delicious dessert! When you’re ready to serve, bake the pudding directly from the fridge (you may need an additional few minutes in the oven) and warm the sauce gently before pouring it over. This way, your dessert will remain just as delicious and comforting as when freshly made!

Variations & Substitutions for Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding

Feel free to explore these delightful tweaks to make the recipe your own!

Chocolate Indulgence: Add 30g of cocoa powder to the sponge batter for a rich, chocolatey twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Fruit Flavors: Substitute Medjool dates with dried figs or apricots for a fruity dimension that adds a fun contrast to the classic recipe.
Nutty Delight: Fold in 100g of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully.
Spicy Warmth: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter to enhance the warmth and aroma, making it a cozy festive treat.
Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a delightful vegan-friendly version.
Less Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to cut down on sweetness, providing a lighter dessert without sacrificing taste.
Zesty Kick: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrusy twist that brightens up the rich flavors.
Sauce Variations: Transform the classic toffee sauce by swirling in a spoonful of peanut butter or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor profile.

Each of these alternatives opens up a realm of possibilities, ensuring your Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding is as unique as those you share it with!

What to Serve with Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement this indulgent pudding’s rich flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool contrast to the warm pudding creates a dreamy dessert experience. A scoop melts into the toffee sauce, enhancing every bite.
Custard: Drizzling warm custard over the pudding adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess that perfectly marries with the sticky toffee.
Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or sweet strawberries bring a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the dessert’s rich sweetness beautifully.
Whipped Cream: Fluffy and light, whipped cream adds a delightful texture and creaminess. It enhances the dessert without overpowering the flavors.
Coffee: A robust cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the pudding while offering a delightful bitterness that enhances the overall flavor experience.
Dark Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce adds a rich, luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the date flavors in the pudding.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices and creamy texture of chai create a wonderful pairing, complementing the pudding’s warmth while adding a cozy herbal note.
Toffee Apples: For a playful spin, serve alongside spiced toffee apples to echo the toffee flavors, adding crunchy texture and a fresh taste.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses balances the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that intrigues the palate and elevates the dessert experience.
Nut Brittle: The crunchy caramelized nuts not only add texture but harmonize with the pudding’s toffee sauce, offering a delightful flavor combination in every bite.

Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right Medjool dates for my pudding?
Absolutely! When selecting Medjool dates, look for ones that are plump and firm, without visible signs of drying out. The skin should be shiny and smooth, avoiding those with dark spots or cracks, as these may indicate overripeness.

What’s the best way to store leftover Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding?
To keep your pudding fresh, store it in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have excess, transfer it to the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will stay delicious for up to 5 days. Gently reheat in the microwave to revive that warm, comforting vibe!

Can I freeze my Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let the pudding cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can hold up well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up before adding the toffee sauce.

What should I do if my pudding is too dense?
Very importantly, if your pudding turns out dense, it’s likely because the batter was overmixed after adding the flour. Remember, when combining the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. If you want a fluffier texture, be gentle and fold in your ingredients carefully!

Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies?
This Gluten Free Sticky Toffee Pudding is a fantastic choice for coeliacs or those with gluten sensitivities, but keep in mind it still contains dairy and eggs. If you’re catering for someone with allergies, consider using non-dairy butter and cream to tailor it to their needs!