Name: Sticky Toffee Date Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 ounces (2 ¼ cups) dried dates, pitted and chopped; 2 ¼ cups boiling water; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that delivers deep caramel flavor, irresistible moistness, and nostalgic warmth, this Sticky Toffee Date Cake is exactly what you need. It’s a classic British-inspired treat made with softened dates and topped with a rich, glossy toffee sauce that seeps into every bite.

This dessert is comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just craving something cozy on a cold evening, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Sticky Toffee Date Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist, rich texture thanks to softened dates and a tender crumb.
Decadent toffee sauce that’s buttery, sweet, and slightly salty.
Perfect make-ahead dessert—even better the next day!
Simple ingredients but luxurious results.
Pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even clotted cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

Dried dates
Boiling water
Baking soda
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Eggs
Salt
All-purpose flour

For the Toffee Sauce:

Unsalted butter
Heavy cream
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Pit and chop the dates.
Place in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them.
Stir in baking soda and cover. Let soak for 30 minutes to soften.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13 baking pan.
Blend the softened dates and soaking liquid until smooth using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated and light brown sugars.
Add eggs and salt, then stir in flour.
Fold in the blended date mixture until fully incorporated.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the warm cake into squares.
Drizzle generously with the toffee sauce.
Optional: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or clotted cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Variations

Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.
Spiced version: Add cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
Bourbon toffee: Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce for a grown-up twist.
Individual servings: Bake in ramekins or a muffin tin for mini sticky toffee puddings.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store the cake and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap cooled cake slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce in a separate container.
Reheat: Microwave cake slices for 30 seconds and gently warm the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh dates instead of dried?

You can, but dried dates are traditional and offer a more concentrated flavor. If using fresh, reduce soaking time.

Is this the same as sticky toffee pudding?

Yes, it’s a variation of the classic British dessert—often called “sticky toffee pudding” in the UK, even though it’s more like a cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld.

Can I use a different sweetener?

You can substitute coconut sugar or dark brown sugar, but results may vary in texture and flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I keep the cake moist?

The dates and baking soda keep it naturally moist. Don’t overbake, and store properly.

Can I double the toffee sauce?

Absolutely—especially if you love it saucy or want extra for serving on the side.

What kind of dates are best?

Medjool or Deglet Noor are ideal. Just make sure they’re pitted.

Can I bake this in a smaller dish for a thicker cake?

Yes, but adjust the baking time—thicker cakes need a few more minutes in the oven.

Is the toffee sauce supposed to be thick?

It should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. It will thicken more as it cools.

Conclusion

This Sticky Toffee Date Cake is pure comfort in every bite—soft, sweet, and bathed in buttery toffee sauce. Whether served after a dinner party or as a casual treat on a rainy afternoon, it’s bound to impress. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.