Name: Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding You Can Make Gluten-Free
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 250 ml Boiling Water; 115 g Unsalted Butter (Softened); 160 g Brown Sugar (Dark brown sugar preferred); 2 large Large Eggs (Room temperature); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Or vanilla bean paste); 190 g All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free flour for GF version); 2 tsp Baking Powder; 1 pinch Salt; 250 g Pitted Dates (Or dried figs for twist); 1 tsp Baking Soda; 100 g Unsalted Butter; 200 g Dark Brown Sugar; 150 ml Double Cream (Or heavy cream); 1 splash Vanilla Extract

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As I stood in my kitchen, the warm, inviting scent of caramelizing sugar swept through the air, instantly transporting me back to a cozy British pub where the charm of classic desserts reigns supreme. That’s when I decided to take on Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding, a tantalizing treat that boasts not only an indulgent flavor but also a surprisingly simple preparation. This recipe is a delightful way to impress your guests at any gathering or to treat yourself after a long day. With its rich, moist sponge packed with discreetly sweet dates and luscious toffee sauce, it’s no wonder this classic British dessert is a beloved favorite. For those with dietary needs, I’ll share tips on how to make it gluten-free without compromising on taste. Curious about how to create this unforgettable dessert that brings comfort and joy? Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Gordon Ramsay’s Recipe?

Indulgence: This sticky toffee pudding delivers rich, deep flavors that are sure to delight anyone seeking a delicious treat.

Simplicity: With straightforward steps, this recipe is easy enough for home cooks of all skill levels, meaning you can impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Versatility: Want to adapt for dietary needs? This recipe can easily be made gluten-free, so everyone can savor this classic dessert!

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any gathering, the warm, gooey pudding paired with ice cream makes for a heartwarming finale to any meal.

Preparation Ahead: Make it a day in advance and simply warm it up—perfect for those busy evenings! Don’t forget to check out my storage tips for keeping it delicious!

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding

Pitted Dates – Adds natural sweetness and a rich texture; you can swap them with dried figs for a unique twist.
Baking Soda – Helps soften the dates during cooking, ensuring your pudding maintains moisture.
Boiling Water – Essential for softening the dates to create a smooth batter.
Unsalted Butter – Brings in richness; feel free to use vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
Brown Sugar – Contributes deep sweetness with moisture; opt for dark brown sugar to elevate the flavor.
Large Eggs – Provide structure and create a rich taste; make sure they’re at room temperature for thorough mixing.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; vanilla bean paste can give an even bolder taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the sponge; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help the pudding rise beautifully.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the pudding.

For the Toffee Sauce

Dark Brown Sugar – A core ingredient that gives the sauce its rich, caramel-like flavor.
Double Cream – Adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce; you can substitute with heavy cream if needed.
Splash of Vanilla Extract – Provides added depth to the toffee sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding

Step 1: Soften the Dates
Chop the pitted dates into small pieces and place them in a saucepan with approximately 250ml of boiling water and a teaspoon of baking soda. Simmer this mixture on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the dates to soften beautifully. Once softened, mash the mixture with a fork until a smooth paste forms, providing the desired sweetness for your sticky toffee pudding.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together 115g of softened unsalted butter and 160g of brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it adds air into the batter for a light texture in the pudding. Once fluffy, add 2 large eggs one at a time, along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift in 190g of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will keep your Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding soft and tender. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy but well integrated.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dates
Fold the previously mashed date mixture into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This step adds the iconic richness and flavor that defines sticky toffee pudding. The consistency will become moist and slightly sticky, indicating that the dates have combined well. Make sure there are no large clumps of dates remaining, ensuring a harmonious blending of flavors throughout the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while you prepare your baking dish. Grease a 20cm square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the sticky toffee pudding batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly across the base. This ensures an even bake, resulting in a beautifully risen dessert that everyone will love.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, and check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly spring back when touched. This is when you know your Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding is almost ready.

Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the pudding is baking, prepare the luscious toffee sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine 100g of unsalted butter, 200g of dark brown sugar, and 150ml of double cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich, caramel-like sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pudding is out of the oven and has cooled slightly for about 10 minutes, carefully pour the warm toffee sauce generously over the top. Serve each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy this delightful Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding with friends or family, and watch it disappear in moments!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Puddings are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the pudding batter and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it stays fresh (just cover it tightly). You can also make the luscious toffee sauce ahead of time—simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the pudding in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes and warm the toffee sauce gently on the stove. This way, you’ll enjoy the same indulgent taste with minimal effort, making dessert a breeze!

Expert Tips for Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding

Creaming Perfection: Ensure your butter and sugar are thoroughly creamed to incorporate air; this step guarantees a light and fluffy pudding.

Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to test the center after 30 minutes—if it comes out clean, your pudding is perfectly baked!

Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to a dense texture, impacting the delightful softness of your Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding.

Serve Warm: The toffee sauce is best when served warm over the pudding. Reheat gently if made in advance for that gooey indulgence.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently and drizzle with more toffee sauce for the ultimate treat!

Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add nuts or spices like cinnamon to the batter—these variations can elevate your classic dessert!

What to Serve with Gordon Ramsay’s Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Elevate your dining experience by concocting an unforgettable meal that pairs beautifully with a warm, indulgent dessert.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess balances the warm, rich toffee, enhancing every sumptuous bite.
Clotted Cream Delight: Indulge in the luxurious richness of clotted cream, making each morsel even more decadent.
Caramelized Bananas: The sweet, caramelized bananas add a lovely texture and flavor contrast, creating a delightful harmony.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of chocolate sauce brings a touch of richness, adding a twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Hazelnut Praline: Add crunch with a sprinkle of hazelnut praline, offering a delightful textural contrast to the soft pudding.
Spicy Ginger Cookies: The warmth of ginger cookies complements the sweetness in the pudding, creating a cozy dessert experience.
Earl Grey Tea: A comforting cup of Earl Grey tea provides a fragrant balance, enhancing the flavors without overpowering.
Fresh Berries: Brighten the plate with fresh berries; their tartness offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet dessert.
Pour-over Coffee: A rich coffee pairs perfectly, cutting through the pudding’s sweetness and providing a delightful finish.
Lemon Meringue Tart: If you’re feeling adventurous, a slice of tangy lemon meringue tart adds a bright, zesty touch that elevates the meal.

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into this delightful dessert, adjusting it to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; ensure you choose one designed for baking.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and coconut cream for the toffee sauce to keep it rich without dairy.
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried apricots or cranberries for a unique fruity twist that adds bursts of flavor.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter to introduce a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips or cocoa powder for an indulgent chocolate version that’s irresistibly decadent.
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note, bringing a delightful depth to the pudding.
Café Style: Top the pudding with a sprinkle of espresso powder in the toffee sauce for a unique coffee-flavored kick.
Showstopper: For an elegant presentation, layer portions in individual ramekins and finish with a drizzle of homemade caramel.

Remember, each variation you try can make this dish uniquely yours! If you want to learn more tips on how to adapt your favorite recipes, check out my storage tips for keeping your creations fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding

Fridge: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in the microwave or oven, then drizzle with warm toffee sauce.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Ensure the pudding is warmed through before serving. Simply pop it in the microwave for a quick and easy option, or reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes for that freshly baked taste.

Toffee Sauce Storage: Keep any extra toffee sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for 5 days. Reheat gently before serving it over the pudding for rich flavor.

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of dates should I use for the sticky toffee pudding?
It’s best to use pitted Medjool dates for your Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding, as they offer the ideal sweetness and rich texture. If you happen to find them dry or firm, soaking them in boiling water for a few minutes can help soften them, making them easier to blend into the batter. As an alternative, you can use dried figs, which will impart a different yet delicious flavor.

How should I store leftover sticky toffee pudding?
Leftover pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, gently reheat the pudding in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Drizzling it with warm toffee sauce before serving will enhance the experience.

Can I freeze sticky toffee pudding?
Absolutely! To freeze your Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding, first, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe bag or container, sealing it well to avoid freezer burn. The pudding can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.

What should I do if my pudding is too dense?
If your pudding turns out denser than expected, there’s a chance that the flour was overmixed or the ingredients were not properly measured. To avoid this, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined, ensuring there are no large streaks of flour. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active. If you notice dense sections after baking, you can serve it warm with extra sauce to keep it moist and delicious.

Is there a gluten-free version of sticky toffee pudding?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version of Gordon Ramsay’s sticky toffee pudding, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Many are available in stores, and this switch will allow you to enjoy this classic dessert without any dietary concerns. I’ve tested this with great results; the pudding remains just as rich and indulgent!

Can I make the pudding in advance?
Very! You can prepare your Gordon Ramsay sticky toffee pudding one day in advance. Just bake it, allow it to cool, and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. To serve, reheat gently in the oven, adding a drizzle of warm toffee sauce to ensure it remains deliciously indulgent. This makes it a perfect dessert for gatherings when you want to save time!