Sticky Date Pudding

 Sticky Date Pudding Recipe

 

Ingredients:

 

1kg pitted dates

1500ml water

15g bicarbonate of soda

500g unsalted butter, softened

350g brown sugar

12g vanilla paste or 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped

10g salt

8 large eggs

550g all-purpose flour

50g baking powder

Instructions: 

• Prepare Date Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the pitted dates and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until the dates are softened and the mixture has cooled slightly.
• Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a large baking dish or cake pan and set aside.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla paste (or vanilla seeds from the pod) until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
• Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition until fully incorporated. 
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. 
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed butter, sugar, and egg mixture. Mix until just combined.
• Add Date Mixture: Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, gently fold in the cooled date mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

 

Cool: Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.

 

Serve: Serve the sticky date pudding warm, either on its own or with your choice of accompaniments such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

 

Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. Reheat before serving if desired.

 

Enjoy this rich and indulgent sticky date pudding, perfect for any occasion!