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Microwave Sticky Toffee Pudding

Recipe by New York Times on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.
  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • 11 ingredients

10 minutes to prep, 10 to cook. A quick, microwave‑friendly sticky toffee pudding that delivers rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of cinnamon. The dates provide natural caramel flavor, while the homemade sauce adds silky gloss. Perfect for a comforting dessert that’s ready in minutes.

See all 4 versions of sticky toffee pudding, compared

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Microwave Sticky Toffee Pudding by New York Times, a frame from the Instagram video

Ingredients

2 servingsMetric

Caramel Sauce

Amounts as New York Times gives them. Metric converts supported weights and liquids, and oven temperatures; spoon measures and counts stay as written.

Method

Caramel Sauce

  1. 1

    In a microwave‑safe mug or small bowl, combine 1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp dark brown sugar, 1 tbsp heavy cream and a pinch of salt; microwave in 30‑second bursts, stirring after each burst, until the mixture is completely melted, smooth and glossy (about 60‑90 seconds).

  2. 2

    Set the caramel sauce aside to thicken while you prepare the pudding batter.

Main method

  1. 3

    Gather all ingredients and equipment: a 12‑ounce microwave‑safe bowl, a small microwave‑safe container for the sauce, a fork, and measuring spoons.

  2. 4

    Prepare the caramel sauce as described in the Caramel Sauce component and let it rest while you work on the pudding.

  3. 5

    Place the two Medjool dates, the remaining 2 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp dark brown sugar, 3 tbsp heavy cream and 0.25 tsp baking soda into the 12‑ounce microwave‑safe bowl.

  4. 6

    Microwave the date mixture on high for 30‑seconds, stir, then microwave for another 30‑seconds until the dates are softened and the butter is fully melted.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Dates soften and butter melts through. Stir between microwave bursts.

  5. 7

    Mash the softened dates with a fork or potato masher until a smooth paste forms.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Dates mash into a smooth paste. Break up any larger pieces with the fork.

  6. 8

    Add 0.25 cup all‑purpose flour, the remaining 0.125 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt to the bowl; stir gently until just combined—do not over‑mix.

  7. 9

    Microwave the batter on high for 45‑seconds, then check; if the top is still liquid, continue in 15‑second intervals until the surface is set but the centre remains slightly soft (total 45‑60 seconds).

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Surface sets while center stays slightly soft. Use short intervals to avoid overcooking.

  8. 10

    Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the pudding rest for 2‑3 minutes; it will continue to firm up as it cools slightly.

  9. 11

    Drizzle the prepared caramel sauce over the warm pudding, then top with a dollop of sour cream, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, according to your preference.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Caramel sauce drapes over the warm pudding. Add it just before serving.

  10. 12

    Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the gooey, caramel‑rich sticky toffee pudding.

Tips while you cook

Prep sauce while batter mixes
Prepare the caramel sauce first and let it rest while you assemble the pudding batter.
Watch batter texture
Microwave the batter in 45‑second bursts, then add 15‑second intervals until the surface sets but the centre stays soft.
Allow brief rest
Let the pudding rest for 2‑3 minutes after microwaving.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from New York Times’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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Sticky toffee pudding, 4 ways

Four creators posted their own. Most use brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract.

  1. New York Times12 min12 ingr.Only this one uses dark brown sugar, medjool dates and ground cinnamon
  2. Daniel Bui (Substack)1 hr 30 min9 ingr.Only this one uses pitted medjool dates, dark muscovado sugar and black treacle
  3. Stewart Miller-White1 hr12 ingr.Only this one uses soft butter, self-raising flour and ice cream
  4. Desserts You’ll Actually Make55 min12 ingr.Only this one uses baking powder and toffee sauce
Compare all 4 side by side

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