Sticky Toffee Pudding

INGREDIENTS

• 125g butter
• 1 tbsp golden syrup
• 1 tbsp black treacle
• 2 large free range eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150g self-raising flour
• 150g light muscovado sugar
• 150g medjool dates, chopped
• 2 tsp bicarbonate soda
• Tub of vanilla ice cream, to serve

For the sauce:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 150g dark muscovado sugar
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 150ml double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Generous pinch sea salt

METHOD

1. Heat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/325°F/Gas 3. To make the sticky toffee pudding, grease a 20cm/ 8” round ovenproof dish. Beat the butter and sugar together in a freestanding mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the golden syrup, treacle, eggs and vanilla slowly and continue to mix. When this is done turn down the mixer to a slow speed and add the flour. When this is mixed well, turn the mixer off.
3. Bring 250ml of water to a simmer in a small saucepan with the dates. After cooking for a few minutes add the bicarbonate of soda. Be careful as this mixture will foam up. Add this to the flour mixture when it is still hot. Combine the two and then pour into the prepared cake tin. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until firm and slightly springy to the touch.
4. Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce, melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup together in a small pan until the sugar has dissolved. Add the cream, vanilla extract and salt and bring to a steady simmer for 3 minutes until the toffee sauce has nicely thickened. Remove from the heat.
5. Drizzle the sticky toffee sauce all over the pudding and serve in the centre of the table with a tub of vanilla ice cream.