Best Gordon Ramsay Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
A Gordon Ramsay-style sticky toffee pudding is a classic date sponge baked or steamed until just set and drenched in a hot toffee sauce made from butter, brown sugar and cream; the keys are softening the dates in hot water (or tea) with a little baking soda and not overbaking the sponge.
By Kelsy Maruyama, Founder & Toffee Maker, Kelsy's Kandy
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward
Last updated Jul 20, 2026
Published by Kelsy's Kandy · Licensed under Citation License 1.0
What it means
- The signature comes from soft, blended dates folded into a light brown-sugar sponge.
- The toffee sauce is a simple simmered mix of butter, brown sugar and cream poured over the warm pudding.
- A pinch of baking soda with the soaked dates softens their skins and helps the crumb stay tender.
Action steps
- Soak chopped pitted dates in hot water with a pinch of baking soda until very soft, then mash or blend.
- Cream butter and brown sugar, beat in eggs, then fold in flour and the date puree.
- Bake at about 180C/350F (or steam) until a skewer comes out clean, roughly 30-40 minutes.
- Simmer butter, brown sugar and cream into a glossy toffee sauce.
- Poke holes in the warm sponge, pour over the sauce, and serve hot with cream or ice cream.
Risks & deadlines
- Do not overbake — an over-cooked sponge dries out and loses its moist, sticky texture.
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Last verified: 2026-07-20