As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a haven of aromatic spices and sweet delights. There’s nothing quite like the joyful warm smells that waft through the air when baking a Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding. This delectable dessert seamlessly blends the rich, syrupy goodness of sticky toffee pudding with the comforting essence of carrot cake. Each bite presents a delightful contrast of textures—moist cake enveloped in velvety toffee sauce and a satisfying crunch from praline.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a treat to share with loved ones, this pudding is sure to impress. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating the moments that matter most. Let’s dive into this comforting classic that promises to bring warmth and cheer to your holiday table!
Why is Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavors: This pudding perfectly marries sweet dates and spicy warmth to create a delectable dessert that enchants your taste buds during the festive season.
Quick and easy: You’ll love how simple this recipe is, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor.
Unique twist: This dessert brilliantly combines the best aspects of classic sticky toffee pudding with the comforting elements of carrot cake, giving your holiday spread a delightful surprise.
Texture perfection: Enjoy the moist cake paired with a gooey toffee sauce and a satisfying crunch from praline that makes every bite unforgettable.
Make ahead: With prep and storage tips, you can save time and still wow your guests with this indulgent treat!
Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud Ingredients
For the Pudding
- Ready-to-eat stoned dates – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; consider using dried figs or prunes as a substitute.
- Walnuts – Provides crunch and flavor; can substitute pecans or omit for nut-free.
- Carrot – Adds moisture and sweetness; grated zucchini can be used as an alternative.
- Dessert apple – Offers a tart balance; can replace with another tart variety or use unsweetened applesauce.
- Golden syrup – Sweetener that contributes to that sticky texture; can substitute with light corn syrup or honey.
- Brandy – Adds depth of flavor; can use orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Cold butter – Essential for moisture and richness; ensure it’s cold for the best texture.
- Eggs – Binds the mixture; a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) can be used as a vegan alternative.
- Golden caster sugar – Sweetness and texture; can substitute regular granulated sugar.
- Self-raising flour – Provides structure; use all-purpose flour combined with baking powder if unavailable.
- Bicarbonate of soda – Helps the pudding rise; ensure it’s fresh for effective leavening.
For the Praline
- Additional walnuts – Crunchy topping for texture and flavor; substitutes can include other nuts.
For the Toffee Sauce
- Butter (for sauce) – Adds richness; can replace with margarine for dairy-free.
- Double cream – Provides richness for the sauce; use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (fan 140°C/gas 3) to ensure it’s ready for your pudding to bake to perfection.
- Prepare the dates: Blitz the ready-to-eat stoned dates in a food processor until they’re nicely chopped. This step is crucial for achieving that sweet, sticky base that makes this pudding so special.
- Combine ingredients: Add walnuts, carrot, dessert apple, golden syrup, and brandy to the chopped dates. Pulse the mixture until it’s chunky and well-combined, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
- Mix in the wet ingredients: Now, add in the cold butter, eggs, and golden caster sugar. Pulse it all together until the mixture is smoothly combined but still retains some texture.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold in the self-raising flour and bicarbonate of soda until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep that lovely moist texture.
- Prepare the pudding basin: Butter and line a 1.5-litre pudding basin with parchment paper. Pour in the batter, then smooth the top to ensure even baking.
- Bake the pudding: Place the basin in the preheated oven and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted comes out almost clean. It should have a lovely golden color on top.
- Make the praline: For the praline, melt sugar in a frying pan over medium heat until it bubbles and turns golden. Stir in the additional walnuts, then lift them onto a lined tray to harden.
- Prepare the toffee sauce: Add butter and double cream to the caramel residue in the pan, return to heat, and simmer while stirring to create your luscious toffee sauce.
- Serve it up: Slice the pudding and serve it warm, topped with shards of praline and an extra drizzle of toffee sauce for an indulgent finish.
Optional: For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the toffee sauce before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud
Fridge: Store the pudding in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful, ready for a quick dessert anytime.
Freezer: Wrap the pudding tightly in cling film and foil; it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Slice and warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or reheat the whole pudding in the oven at 160°C until heated through.
Toffee Sauce: Prepare the toffee sauce up to 12 hours in advance; store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving for the blitz-&-bake sticky toffee Christmas pud.
What to Serve with Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding?
Indulge in a feast of flavors that beautifully complements the vibrant sweetness of your festive dessert.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery, smooth texture creates a delightful contrast to the rich and sticky pudding, enhancing the overall experience.
- Spiced Apple Compote: Offering a tart and warm contrast, this fruity side beautifully complements the sweetness of the pudding while adding freshness.
- Sautéed Seasonal Greens: Lightly seasoned, these greens bring a touch of earthiness to balance the richness, making each bite of pudding less heavy.
- Warm Vanilla Custard: Pour over your pudding for a luxurious feel; the creamy vanilla notes elevate the experience to dreamy new heights.
- Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced drink brings a festive cheer, harmonizing with the spices in the pudding and rounding off the meal perfectly.
- Cranberry-Bourbon Sauce: The tanginess of cranberries cuts through the sweetness while a hint of bourbon adds a sophisticated depth that pairs splendidly.
- Gingerbread Cookies: A crunchy yet soft treat alongside your pudding can create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, perfect with coffee.
- Chocolate Truffles: Decadent and rich, these little bites bring a luxurious end to your meal, enhancing the celebration of flavors throughout the evening.
Make Ahead Options
These Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Puddings are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the pudding up to 2 days ahead by fully baking it, allowing it to cool, and then refrigerating it until you’re ready to serve. The toffee sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 12 hours; simply reheat it before drizzling over the warm pudding. To maintain the pudding’s moist texture, cover it tightly to prevent drying out. When it’s time to impress your guests, just reheat the pudding in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and you’ll have a delightful holiday dessert with minimal effort!
Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud Variations
Feel free to experiment and personalize this delightful pudding to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
- Nuts Galore: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch; each nut adds its own unique flavor.
- Fruit Alternatives: Replace dates with dried figs or chopped dried apricots for an interesting twist on sweetness.
- Zesty Upgrade: For a fresh flavor, add the zest of one orange or lemon into the mixture to brighten the pudding.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra layer of warm spice that dances on your palate.
- Vegan Delight: Use a flax egg and coconut cream to make it fully plant-based without losing any richness.
- Sugar Swap: Substitute golden caster sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index option.
- Different Flours: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour blend if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in chocolate chips instead of nuts for a delicious, dessert-like twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Expert Tips for Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud
- Don’t Over-Blend: Avoid overly blending the ingredients. A few pulses are sufficient to maintain a chunky texture, enhancing the pudding’s delightful experience.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, particularly the cold butter, are at the right temperature for optimal mixing, which helps achieve the perfect moistness in your blitz-&-bake sticky toffee Christmas pud.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your bicarbonate of soda; ineffective leavening can lead to a dense pudding.
- Praline Prep: Make the praline ahead of time and let it harden at room temperature. This prevents sogginess and preserves its delightful crunch for topping your pudding.
- Taste Variations: For a twist, feel free to substitute the walnuts in the praline with your favorite nuts or try adding chocolate shavings for extra richness.
- Serving Tip: Serve the pudding warm with a generous drizzle of toffee sauce to elevate every bite, creating a comforting feel that everyone will enjoy.
Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe dates for the pudding?
Absolutely! Look for ready-to-eat stoned dates that are soft and slightly plump, with a deep caramel color. Avoid any dates that have dark spots all over, as this may indicate they are dried out or spoiled. If you can’t find them, consider dried figs or prunes as excellent substitutes.
What is the best way to store leftovers of the pudding?
Very! Store the pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This method keeps it moist and flavorful, ensuring it’s ready for a quick dessert whenever those sweet cravings hit! Just remember to reheat it gently for the best experience.
Can I freeze the Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding?
Absolutely! Wrap the pudding tightly in cling film and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. For individual portions, a quick 30-60 seconds in the microwave is perfect!
What should I do if the pudding is too dense?
If you find your pudding is denser than expected, it might have been overmixed. To prevent this, always gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. If needed, you can also add a splash of milk or water to adjust the consistency before baking.
Can I prepare the toffee sauce in advance?
Very much so! The toffee sauce can be made up to 12 hours ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container and gently reheat it before serving. This makes it easy to serve warm, ensuring that every bite of your Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pud is delightfully indulgent!
Are there any nut-free alternatives for the praline?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using chocolate shavings or coconut flakes to add that desired crunch without using nuts. You can also omit the praline altogether, and your pudding will still be amazing!
Blitz-&-Bake Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan 140°C/gas 3).
- Blitz the ready-to-eat stoned dates in a food processor until nicely chopped.
- Add walnuts, carrot, dessert apple, golden syrup, and brandy to the chopped dates. Pulse until chunky and well-combined.
- Mix in cold butter, eggs, and golden caster sugar, pulsing together until smoothly combined but textured.
- Gently fold in self-raising flour and bicarbonate of soda until just mixed.
- Butter and line a 1.5-litre pudding basin with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours until a skewer inserted comes out almost clean.
- Melt sugar in a frying pan until it bubbles and turns golden. Stir in additional walnuts and lift onto a lined tray to harden.
- Add butter and double cream to the caramel residue in the pan, return to heat and simmer while stirring to create toffee sauce.
- Slice the pudding and serve warm topped with shards of praline and a drizzle of toffee sauce.