There’s a special kind of comfort that comes with a warm dessert on a cool evening, and few treats deliver that same cosy satisfaction quite like sticky date pudding. With its soft, moist sponge laced with sweet dates and drizzled in buttery caramel sauce, this classic dessert continues to charm generations of Australian households.
Whether you’re preparing something a little special for guests or simply indulging in a quiet night in, this dessert brings a wonderful sense of nostalgia and richness to the table. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull it off.
What Makes Sticky Date Pudding So Irresistible?
This dessert is a long-standing favourite for good reason. The sponge is incredibly tender and infused with the natural sweetness of dates, while the sauce brings a smooth, toffee-like depth that rounds it all out perfectly. It’s simple, satisfying, and always well-received.
Plus, it’s one of those dishes that seems to suit every occasion—from laid-back dinners to festive celebrations. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a generous pour of sauce and something cool and creamy on the side, and you’re bound to have a hit on your hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Sticky Date Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need to gather from the pantry or your local grocer:
For the pudding:
- 1 cup dates, pitted and finely chopped
- 1 tsp bicarb soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed firmly
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but lovely for warmth)
For the sauce:
- 1 cup pouring cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 60g unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- A tiny pinch of sea salt
How to Bring It Together
Step 1: Start with the Dates
Place your chopped dates in a heat-safe bowl and sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda over the top. Carefully pour over the boiling water, give it a stir, and set aside for around 10 minutes to soften.
Once the mixture has cooled a little, mash the dates lightly with a fork. This helps them blend better into the batter and creates that signature texture.
Step 2: Whip Up the Batter
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Fold in the flour (and cinnamon if using), then gently stir in the softened dates and their soaking liquid. Mix until everything is just combined—no need to overwork the batter.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C fan-forced. Lightly grease a medium baking dish or individual ramekins.
Pour the batter into your chosen dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes if using one large dish, or 20–25 minutes if making smaller portions. You’ll know it’s ready when the top has browned and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the pudding bakes, combine the cream, brown sugar, butter, vanilla bean, and salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly—it should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Time to Serve
To serve the sticky date pudding, pour a generous amount of warm sauce over the pudding. If you’ve baked individual servings, remove them from their ramekins and plate with a drizzle of sauce over the top.
Pair it with:
- Classic vanilla ice cream – the hot-cold contrast is divine
- Softly whipped cream – adds lightness to every bite
- A dollop of mascarpone – for a more refined, rich finish
Planning Ahead?
This is one of those desserts that only gets better with a little resting time.
- The sponge can be made a day or two in advance, then reheated gently before serving.
- The sauce stores well in the fridge—just warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave before pouring.
Perfect for taking the stress out of entertaining.
Optional Twists
Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy variations:
- Add a crunch: Stir through a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favourite gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
- Make it indulgent: Add a splash of Irish cream liqueur or spiced rum to the sauce for a grown-up edge.
Why This Recipe Stands the Test of Time
Sticky date pudding holds a special place in many Australian homes. It’s rich without being overwhelming, sweet but balanced, and endlessly comforting. More than just a dessert, it’s a moment of pause, a way to mark the end of a shared meal with warmth and conversation.
And while there are plenty of variations out there, this version sticks to the heart of what makes it great: honest ingredients, simple steps, and delicious results.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve never made sticky date pudding at home, this is your sign to give it a go. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few pantry staples and a little time in the kitchen.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. So whether you’re baking it for guests or as a little treat for yourself, serve it warm, pour that sauce with confidence, and enjoy every single spoonful.