Unique Fall Desserts That Aren't Pumpkin Spice

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a rich and moist dessert made with sweet dates, baked into a fluffy cake, and drenched in a luscious toffee sauce. This classic British treat is perfect for those who love warm, indulgent desserts, with the natural sweetness of the dates and the gooey toffee sauce creating an irresistible combination. It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Ingredients (for 8 servings):

For the Cake:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• ¾ cup boiling water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or a small square pan.
2. Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour the boiling water over them, and let them soak for 10 min. Stir in the vanilla extract and mash the dates slightly with a fork.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the mashed dates and their liquid.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 min. or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake bakes, make the toffee sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and turns into a smooth sauce (about 3-5 min.).
8. Once the cake is done, poke holes over the surface with a toothpick and pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the cake, letting it soak in.
9. Serve the cake warm with the remaining toffee sauce drizzled over the top.