Sticky Toffee Pudding

What is it about steamed puddings? Never popular at school dinners in days of old, when they were swamped with lumpy custard, they have recently been experiencing a renaissance. Everywhere from The Ivy to the restaurant at Harrod’s now proudly sells sticky toffee pudding, usually graced with vanilla ice-cream, crème fraiche or clotted cream rather than custard. Sales are booming all over the world, especially by mail order so that the authentic English taste can be enjoyed everywhere.

Outrageously calorific and utterly addictive, sticky toffee pudding originally hails from north-west England, where you might think they need the calories for all the hill walking and inclement weather they have to put up with. The distinctive flavour and texture of the pudding comes from the fact that the sponge has pureed dates added to it. The toffee itself only makes an appearance in the sauce.

Photo: Maria Gibbs