Gourmet Sticky Toffee Pudding (Hell's Kitchen Copycat)

One bite of Gordon Ramsay's sticky toffee pudding and I was hooked! It was truly love-at-first-bite! Now, you can skip the fancy restaurant and enjoy this insanely delicious copycat recipe at home.

Believe it or not, this recipe wasn't born from a quest for Beef Wellington. On a recent trip to Hell's Kitchen Las Vegas, my family and I were completely blown away by their signature Sticky Toffee Pudding, the dessert of the SIGNATURE PRIX FIXE menu.

It was so rich, so gooey, and so utterly delicious that it stole the show! Of course, I on a mission to replicate it in my own kitchen, determined not to make a return trip to Hell's Kitchen just for that dessert!

If you’re as much of a dessert lover as I am, be sure to also try my easy recipes for New Orleans Beignets, Sopapilla Cheesecake, and a collection of Filipino ube desserts or Ninja Creami ice cream for more indulgent treats your family will adore.

Here's my attempt to capture that incredible flavor of a classic British dessert – and trust me, it's worth every decadent bite!

📖What are Medjool Dates?

Medjool Dates are like nature's caramel candies – they're big, juicy, and sweet. They're these luscious, soft dates that taste like a mix between caramel and honey. Perfect for snacking or adding a natural sweetness to recipes!

⭐What is So Special About Medjool Dates?

Medjool dates stand out for their large size, rich sweetness, and soft, chewy texture. They're prized for their natural caramel-like flavor and are often dubbed the "king of dates" due to their superior taste and quality. Additionally, they're packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a delicious and nutritious snack.

🥘Pudding Ingredients

• Medjool Dates: The base of this dessert, dates provide natural sweetness and a rich, sticky texture. I got mine from Costco! Look for the ones in a 2-pound plastic tub.
• All-purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the batter.
• Baking Soda: Helps soften the dates during cooking and contributes to the light, tender texture of the pudding.
• Baking Powder: Helps the pudding rise and become fluffy.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Used for caramelizing and adding deep molasses-like sweetness. Light brown sugar works well, or coconut sugar for a healthier swap.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the pudding and sauce. You can use margarine or plant-based butter as a substitute.
• Egg: Provide structure and moisture to the pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the pudding.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for creating the rich toffee sauce. Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Bourbon (optional)
• Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (use store-bought or try my recipe)
• Lotus Biscoff Cookie crumbs (if not using Speculoos Cookie Butter ice cream)

See recipe card for quantities.

👉How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Learn to create irresistible sticky toffee pudding with these simple steps! Don't worry! It's really easy!

Date Pudding Preparation

1. Begin by soaking dates in 1 cup of boiling water until they're warm.

2. Blend the soaked dates and water into a smooth puree.

3. Sift together dry ingredients, including all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.

4. Cream together brown sugar and butter until smooth.

5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, adding the pureed dates last.

6. Prepare your baking tins by greasing them with butter then dust each with flour.

7. Tap out any excess flour.

8. Fill each tin with batter, ensuring they're about ¾ full.

9. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, adjusting the time based on the size of your tins.

Sticky Toffee Sauce

1. Melt butter and sugar over medium heat.

2. Add cream over melted butter and sugar.

3. Mix sauce and let it boil.

4. Cool down the toffee mixture. This thickens as it cools down.

🍴How to Assemble Your Sticky Toffee Pudding?

1. Step 1: Combine all spices into a large bowl and combine thoroughly with mixture

2. Now comes the fun part! Drizzle that warm delicious sticky toffee sauce all over your pudding. Let it cascade down the sides, creating a decadent pool of saucy goodness.

3. Channel your inner Gordon Ramsay (or keep it classic) with a scoop of ice cream on top. Speculoos ice cream adds a warm, spiced kick, but vanilla is always a safe and delicious choice.

4. Optionally, garnish with toppings such as Lotus Biscoff cookies, nuts, or sprinkles, or enjoy it without any toppings, staying true to the classic Sticky Toffee Pudding style!

Equipment

For the Pudding:

• Mixing Bowls: You'll need at least two bowls, one for the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, etc.) and another for the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, etc.).
• Electric Mixer (optional): While not essential, an electric mixer can make creaming the butter and sugar together much easier. You can do this step by hand with a whisk as well.
• Muffin Tins or Ramekins: You'll need individual baking tins, muffin pans or ramekins to bake the puddings. The size will depend on your recipe and how many servings you want.

How to Store Leftovers (If There’s Anything Left)

Leftover sticky toffee pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back that gooey texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the pudding for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead Tip

You can easily make this sticky toffee pudding ahead of time and freeze it for later! Prepare the pudding as usual, then cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.

The toffee sauce can be made in advance as well—store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, reheat the pudding and warm the sauce on low heat, pouring it over just before serving for that irresistible, gooey finish.

What Do You Eat Sticky Toffee Pudding With?

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey pudding, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Cookie Butter Ice Cream (Speculoos): The spiced, buttery flavor of cookie butter ice cream adds a unique twist, complementing the rich toffee sauce with hints of cinnamon and caramel.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a touch of richness without overpowering the flavors of the dessert.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries gives a refreshing, tart burst that balances the sweetness of the toffee sauce.
• Custard: A warm, creamy custard poured over the top can add an extra layer of indulgence and comfort to the dessert.
• Cardinal du Four, Armagnac: As featured in the Hell's Kitchen prix fixe menu, this luxurious French brandy brings rich, complex notes that perfectly complement the deep caramel flavors of sticky toffee pudding.

More Sweet Treats!

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: