Irish Sticky Pudding

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 lb dates, pits removed and cut into slices
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup boiling water
• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 pinch salt

Recipe

• 1 pudding:.
• 2 preheat oven to 325 degrees f. butter inside of baking dish. combine dates, baking soda, and 2/3 cup boiling water in a medium size bowl. in a standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add dark brown sugar and 5 tablespoons of softened butter. mix together on medium low (until just mixed) for about 1 minute. add molasses and vanilla until just combined. add the date mixture until just combined. in the buttered baking dish evenly distribute the mixture. bake about 35 minutes. insert a butter knife into center to check for doneness. knife should come out clean.
• 3 to make toffee sauce:.
• 4 melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. whisk in light brown sugar. cook until instant-read thermometer reaches 250 degrees. slowly whisk in cream and salt and bring to simmer. remove from heat and place in a glass bowl. cover with plastic wrap.
• 5 to serve:.
• 6 let pudding cool. cut the pudding into squares and add to individual serving plates. pour the warm toffee sauce over each pudding (note: toffee sauce can be microwaved for a few seconds to reheat, if desired).
• 7 serve with a teaspoon of irish whiskey over the pudding and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. for a spectacular presentation, light pudding at the table. be careful not to singe the guest.