Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Australian cuisine! This AL Sticky Date Pudding is not just a dessert; it's a decadent experience that promises to melt in your mouth and warm your soul. With its rich, caramel-soaked texture and irresistible sweetness, this pudding is the ultimate comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to discover why this classic Australian treat has been winning hearts and satisfying sweet cravings for generations!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Australian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm square baking dish or 6 individual ramekins with butter.
- In a medium heatproof bowl, combine chopped dates and boiling water. Sprinkle baking soda over the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the dates to soften and create a smooth texture.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the flour and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Add the softened date mixture to the batter, stirring until evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or divide equally among ramekins.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the caramel sauce by combining butter, cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Pour warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or additional caramel sauce if desired.
Tips
- Date Preparation: Ensure your dates are fresh and soft. Chopping them finely helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Baking Precision: Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother, more consistent batter. Don't overmix to keep the pudding tender.
- Moisture is Key: The boiling water and baking soda trick helps soften the dates and creates a wonderfully moist pudding.
- Caramel Sauce Perfection: Watch your caramel sauce carefully while cooking to prevent burning. It should be smooth and slightly thickened.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this dessert to the next level.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
