Monday, May 27, 2013

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake

Can't beat this lovely sticky caramel pudding recipe turned into a rich and moist cake. Smother it with toffee or caramel sauce for a decadent treat. Everyone who tries it will definitely want seconds.

If you like caramel try the recipe in Tastes & Treasures for Caramel Custard Flan found on page 85. The flan recipe was given to the Historical League by historic El Chorro Lodge.

Sticky Caramel Pudding Recipe
Pudding Ingredients:
8 ounces pitted dates, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Pudding Directions:
Spray an 8-inch (20 cm) square metal baking pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped dates, the baking soda and boiling water. Let it stand for about 30 minutes or until it is cooled to room temperature.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Add the brown sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla to the date mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat it for 2 minutes, until blended (the mixture will appear slightly curdled). Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. Mix again for 15 to 30 seconds until blended.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Set the pan on a wire rack. Poke holes all over the top of the cake with a toothpick. Pour 1/2 cup of the toffee or caramel sauce over the cake. Let it cool in the pan on rack for 10 minutes.

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup whipping (35%) cream, at room temperature 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce Directions:
In a small heavy saucepan, heat granulated sugar, stirring constantly, over medium heat until sugar is a dark caramel-colored liquid. Remove from heat and while whisking, carefully pour in cream.
Stir in the vanilla.
Makes 2 cups 
Tips: When heating, the granulated sugar will change from solid crystals to the consistency of wet sand to light amber liquid to dark liquid.
Make sure the cream is not chilled or it will splatter and seize the sauce.


To serve, cut the cake into squares and serve warm with the remaining sauce.

Store the cooled cake in the refrigerator in a cake keeper, or loosely wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. Warm cake, wrapped loosely in foil, in a 350°F oven before serving.
BY cookingnook.com