Steam-Baked Sticky Toffee Puddings
Kate Itrich-Williams
December 8, 2021
The Anova Precision Oven is the ideal appliance for preparing perfect traditional British sticky toffee puddings. These desserts are typically steamed or boiled, and they all too often end up overly dense, stodgy, and overcooked. However, by gently steaming the puddings at the boiling point of water in the Anova Precision Oven, it’s easy to bake these cake-like puddings that rise like a dream while still having a super moist interior.
Serves
8
Prep Time
01:00
Cook Time
01:00
4.5 (2)
268
Ingredients
227 grams (1 1/4 cups)
pitted Medjool dates (about 15)
1 cup
water
½ tsp
baking soda
177 grams (1 1/4 cups)
all-purpose flour
1 tsp
kosher salt
½ tsp
baking powder
170 grams (1 1/2 sticks)
unsalted butter, divided
150 grams (3/4 cup)
light brown sugar
2 large
eggs
1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp
vanilla extract, divided
230 grams (1 cup)
heavy cream, plus more to whip for serving, if desired
200 grams (1 cup)
dark brown sugar or additional light brown sugar
Steps
1. Soften the Dates
Combine the dates and water in a small saucepan. Place over high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the dates are very soft, 10 to 15 minutes. (Boiling time will depend on the moisture of the dates.)
2. Add Soda
Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will bubble dramatically and then change to a rather unappealing green color. This is okay. Let the date mixture cool completely.
3. Make the Dry Mix and Melt Butter
While the dates cool, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, melt 57 grams (4 Tbsp) of the butter on medium heat. Let cool.
4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ramekins
Rack
Turn the oven on to cook at 212°F, sous vide mode, at full steam. Grease eight 6-ounce ramekins or similarly sized heat-proof bowls or cups (or an assortment of various containers). Place on the baking sheet that came with the oven.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 100%
Temp: 212°F
Heat: Rear
5. Blend the Wet Mix
Once cool, transfer the dates, along with any liquid remaining in the saucepan, to a blender. Add the melted and cooled butter, light brown sugar, eggs, and 1 Tbsp of the vanilla. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, 5 to 10 one-second pulses.
6. Mix the Batter
Pour the wet mix into the bowl with the dry mix and stir gently until all of the flour is combined. There will still be some lumps; that is okay.
7. Divide the Batter and Bake
Rack
Evenly divide the batter between the ramekins. Transfer the baking sheet to the middle position in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the cakes comes out clean, 35 minutes.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 100%
Temp: 212°F
Heat: Rear
00:35 Timer
8. Make the Sauce
Meanwhile, combine the remaining 113 grams (8 Tbsp) butter and remaining 2 tsp vanilla with the cream and dark brown sugar in a large saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rapid simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
9. Poke and Rest
When the cakes are finished, use a toothpick or skewer to poke 10 to 15 holes in each of the cakes. Pour and spread 2 Tbsp sauce over the top of each cake. Let rest for about 5 minutes to let the sauce soak in.
10. Whip Cream
If desired, whip about 1 cup of additional heavy whipping cream to soft peaks for serving. There is no need to sweeten the whipped cream.
11. Serve Warm
To serve, run a small spatula or knife along the sides of the cakes. Flip out into shallow bowls, then top with about 1 Tbsp additional sauce on each cake. Dollop with whipped cream, if desired.
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