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Science Based Sticky Toffee Pudding

Recipe by Daniel Bui (Substack) on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

20 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. This science‑backed sticky toffee pudding delivers a moist, open crumb that soaks up a deep, dark toffee sauce. The combination of dates, muscovado sugar, and black treacle creates a rich, molasses‑like flavor that’s both sweet and comforting. Perfect for a cozy dessert that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light.

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Science Based Sticky Toffee Pudding by Daniel Bui (Substack), a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (350°F).

  2. Place the dates in a bowl, pour the boiling water over them, and add the bicarbonate of soda. Let the mixture soak for 10 minutes.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The dates soften in the hot liquid. Let the bicarbonate dissolve through the soaking liquid.

  3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and dark muscovado sugar together for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The butter and sugar look lighter and fluffy. Scrape the bowl so the mixture creams evenly.

  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  5. Fold in the soaked dates and their liquid, then gently fold in the black treacle.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The dates and liquid are distributed through the batter. Fold gently to keep the mixture aerated.

  6. Add the flour (if using) and fold just until the batter comes together, keeping it loose to maintain a tender crumb.

  7. Grease a 20 cm × 20 cm tin with extra butter and pour the batter in.

  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The top is golden and the center yields moist crumbs on a toothpick. Avoid waiting for the toothpick to come out completely dry.

  9. Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for 10 minutes.

  10. While the pudding rests, prepare the toffee sauce by gently heating the black treacle and a splash of cream until smooth, then whisk in a pinch of flaky salt.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The sauce is smooth and the salt is dispersed. Whisk as the treacle and cream warm together.

  11. Prick the warm pudding with a skewer, spoon the warm sauce over it, and serve immediately.

Tips while you cook

Soak dates early
Place the dates with boiling water and bicarbonate of soda and let them soak for 10 minutes before mixing into the batter.
Cream butter and sugar fully
Cream the softened butter and dark muscovado sugar together for 4–5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Rest before sauce
Allow the baked pudding to rest for 10 minutes before pricking and pouring the warm toffee sauce.

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

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Daniel Bui (Substack) made this.

The recipe comes from Daniel Bui (Substack)’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.

Are you Daniel Bui (Substack) and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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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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