Name: Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee: Heavenly Date Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped; For the Maple Toffee Sauce:; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; For Garnish:; Chopped pecans; Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Jump to Recipe

Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee has always felt like a warm hug in dessert form for me. Ever since I first tried a homemade maple pecan sticky toffee recipe at a friend’s cozy cottage, the combination of dates, maple, and pecans has been pure magic. The aroma alone, a rich blend of caramelized sugar and toasted nuts, is enough to make your mouth water. This sticky toffee pudding with maple and pecans is incredibly moist and decadent, and I can’t wait to share my version with you. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee

This dessert is a showstopper for so many reasons:

An unbelievably moist and tender cake thanks to the dates.
A rich, buttery maple toffee sauce that’s simply divine.
The satisfying crunch of toasted pecans adds a lovely texture.
It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests.
This maple pecan toffee pudding is a comforting treat for any occasion.
A budget-friendly way to enjoy a decadent dessert.
It’s a family-friendly treat that everyone will adore.
A truly memorable maple pecan toffee pudding experience.

Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee Ingredients

Gathering these Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee ingredients is the first step to baking pure bliss. The star of the show, 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped, is what gives this pudding its incredible moisture and natural sweetness. We’ll also need 1 teaspoon baking soda to help activate the dates. Make sure you have 1 cup boiling water ready for softening the dates. For the cake itself, you’ll need 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed for that caramel depth, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar for balance. Don’t forget 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder for lift, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to enhance all the flavors. And of course, for that delightful crunch, we use 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped. For the luscious sauce, have ready 1 cup heavy cream, another 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

How to Make Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee

Step 1: First, let’s get those dates ready for our Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped, with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Pour 1 cup boiling water over them and let them sit for about 15 minutes. They’ll soften beautifully. Once softened, give them a gentle mash with a fork to create a lovely, date-y paste.
Step 2: Now, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Time to make the batter! In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake.
Step 4: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This is a key step for the best easy maple pecan sticky toffee instructions.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the prepared date mixture and the 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped.
Step 7: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: While the pudding bakes, let’s whip up that glorious sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it’s slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 9: Let the pudding cool for a few minutes after baking. Cut it into squares and serve warm. Drizzle generously with the maple toffee sauce. For the ultimate treat, garnish with more chopped pecans and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this delightful homemade maple pecan sticky toffee recipe!

Prepare the Dates

The dates are the secret to an incredibly moist and naturally sweet Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee. By combining them with baking soda and boiling water, we create a soft, mashable paste. This step ensures the dates break down beautifully into the cake batter, infusing it with moisture and a subtle caramel flavor. For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking essentials.

Make the Maple Toffee Sauce

This sauce is pure liquid gold for your Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee. Simmering the heavy cream, butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar together allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Don’t rush this part; a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes creates that perfect, luscious consistency that coats the pudding beautifully. Learn more about sauce making techniques.

Pro Tips for the Best Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee

Elevating this dessert from great to absolutely unforgettable is all about a few key tricks. These tips will help you achieve that perfect texture and rich flavor for your Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee.

Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added; this keeps the cake tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
Toast your pecans before chopping them. This really brings out their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the cake batter. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform texture.
Allow the pudding to rest for a few minutes after baking before cutting and saucing. This helps it set slightly.

What’s the secret to perfect Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee?

The real magic for a truly rich maple pecan sticky toffee lies in not overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Gently folding in the ingredients ensures a light, tender cake that’s perfectly complemented by the gooey date and pecan mixture.

Can I make Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding batter and the sauce separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, and bake the pudding as directed, perhaps adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge. This is a great way to prepare for holiday gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee?

A common pitfall is overbaking the cake, which can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as it’s crucial for the date mixture’s texture. You can find out more about baking soda freshness.

Best Ways to Serve Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee

This decadent dessert is a celebration on a plate! When thinking about how to serve maple pecan sticky toffee, the possibilities are delightful. My favorite way is to cut the warm pudding into generous squares and then generously ladle the rich maple toffee sauce over the top. The contrast of the warm cake and the warm, gooey sauce is pure bliss.

For an extra touch of indulgence, I love to pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The cool creaminess beautifully balances the warm, sticky sweetness of the pudding and sauce. A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top adds a lovely textural finish, making this Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee truly unforgettable. Consider trying this with homemade whipped cream.

Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee: Heavenly Date Dessert - Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee

When you’re indulging in a slice of this delightful Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving (this is for one pudding square, assuming the recipe yields 8 servings):

Calories: Around 350-400 calories
Fat: This dessert is rich, so expect about 18-22g of fat.
Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-14g, mainly from the butter and cream.
Protein: You’ll get about 4-6g of protein.
Carbohydrates: Expect around 45-55g, largely from the dates, sugar, and flour.
Fiber: The dates contribute about 3-5g of fiber.
Sugar: This is a sweet treat, with roughly 30-40g of sugar.
Sodium: Typically around 150-200mg.

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving size. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s nutrition labeling guide.

How to Store and Reheat Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee

Keeping this delightful Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee tasting its best is easy, whether you have leftovers or want to prep ahead. Once the pudding has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions of the pudding. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. The maple toffee sauce can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

When you’re ready to enjoy this maple pecan toffee cake again, simply reheat the pudding gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm and pourable. This ensures you can savor every last bit of this decadent dessert whenever the craving strikes! This is a great tip for when you’re planning for summer gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee

What is maple pecan sticky toffee?

Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee is a delightful twist on the classic British dessert. It features a moist, date-based sponge cake studded with toasted pecans, all drenched in a warm, rich maple toffee sauce. It’s a comforting and decadent treat that combines the deep sweetness of dates with the warm, nutty flavor of maple and pecans, making for a truly special dessert experience.

Can I make this Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee pudding gluten-free?

Yes, you absolutely can! To make this maple pecan toffee pudding gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking and contains a mix of starches and gums for the best texture. The rest of the recipe remains the same! You can find more information on gluten-free baking.

What can I serve with Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee?

This dessert is wonderfully versatile. The most popular accompaniments are a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Both provide a lovely cool contrast to the warm, sticky pudding and sauce. A dusting of extra chopped pecans also adds a nice crunch and visual appeal.

How do I ensure my Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee is moist?

The key to a moist Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee is the dates! Make sure they are soft and well-mased into a paste before adding them to the batter. Also, be careful not to overbake the pudding. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean, to ensure maximum moisture.

Variations of Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee Pudding

This classic dessert is wonderfully adaptable, and you can easily tailor it to your preferences. Exploring these sticky toffee pudding variations maple pecan will let you enjoy this treat in new ways!

Gluten-Free Delight: For those avoiding gluten, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this maple pecan sticky toffee pudding without compromising on texture.
Warm Spice Infusion: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This subtle warmth pairs beautifully with the maple and pecan flavors, creating an even more comforting dessert.
Boozy Twist: For an adult-friendly version, stir 1-2 tablespoons of dark rum or bourbon into the maple toffee sauce after it’s removed from the heat. It adds a sophisticated depth to the overall flavor profile.
Nut-Free Option: If you need to avoid nuts, simply omit the pecans from the cake batter and the garnish. You could replace them with chocolate chips for a different kind of deliciousness, or just enjoy the rich date and maple flavors on their own.