Ah, sticky toffee pudding—the very name alone feels like a warm hug! This dessert brings back such wonderful memories of cozy gatherings and rainy afternoons when I’d curl up with a good book, a cup of tea, and a slice of this indulgent sweetness. The rich, comforting flavors of the cake combined with the luscious toffee sauce send me straight to dessert heaven. And the addition of maple and pecans? Well, that’s just the icing on the cake—literally!

This Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee Pudding is a sweet twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast with family, a get-together with friends, or a simple weeknight treat just because you deserve it. The combination of soft, moist cake enveloped in a warm toffee sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, the crunchy pecans add a delightful texture that keeps every bite interesting. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to make—perfect for bakers of all levels!
A cozy treat for any season, especially autumn.
Rich, indulgent flavors that make it a crowd-pleaser.
Great for meal prep—reheat beautifully for later!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to whip up this comforting dessert. Let’s make sure you have everything on hand before you get started!

For the pudding:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted is best!)
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the maple toffee sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup maple syrup (the real stuff, not pancake syrup!)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: Make sure your Medjool dates are pitted; they’re sweet and chewy, giving the pudding that characteristic stickiness!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Time to get mixing! Grab your favorite bowl and let’s create some magic.

Prep those dates: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped Medjool dates with the boiling water and baking soda. Let this sit for about 15-20 minutes to soften. The smell of rehydrating dates is simply divine!
Toast those pecans: While the dates are soaking, in a dry skillet over medium heat, toast your chopped pecans until fragrant (about 5 minutes). Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Blend in the dates: Now, pour the soaked dates (along with that beautiful water) into the butter mixture. Use an immersion blender or food processor to blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can mix by hand—your choice!
Combine everything: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients just until combined. Watch out: overmixing can lead to a dense cake!
Add those pecans: Gently fold in your toasted pecans, saving a few for garnish on top. Yum!
Transfer to baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch square baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake to perfection: Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and I promise you’ll be tempted to dive in early!

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is pretty fantastic as is, but it’s fun to mix things up! Here are some playful variations to consider:

Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice twist.
Chocolate lover? Toss in some chocolate chips into the batter for an extra decadent treat.
Maple syrup swap: Substitute some of the brown sugar in the pudding with maple sugar for a more pronounced maple flavor.

Feel free to experiment—this pudding is flexible and forgiving, just like a good friend.

Serving Suggestions

Now for the best part! Once that Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee Pudding is out of the oven and cooled just slightly, it’s time to drizzle on that luscious maple toffee sauce.

Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—because let’s be honest, warm dessert and cold ice cream is the ultimate comfort! You can also top it with a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans for that delightful crunch and a touch of maple syrup drizzled on top just for good measure. Pair it all with a cup of hot coffee or a warm chai tea and you’re set! It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in warmth and comfort.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? You lucky duck! This pudding keeps well and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Let the pudding cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Reheat: To reheat, just pop individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the pudding a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before serving!

What if I can’t find Medjool dates?

Don’t worry! You can use any soft, pitted dates such as Deglet Noor or even dried apricots in a pinch, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Sure! Walnuts or sliced almonds would make a delicious substitution. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile a bit!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that your raising agents are also gluten-free, and you’re golden!

What’s the best way to serve the maple toffee sauce?

Warm it gently in a small saucepan before drizzling over each serving of pudding. It enhances the experience tenfold!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this cozy journey into the world of Maple Pecan Sticky Toffee Pudding! Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing this dessert with loved ones, I’m sure it will create heartwarming memories. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to drop a comment below! And if you think someone else would enjoy this recipe, please share it with them. Happy baking!