7Sticky Toffee Pudding

Few desserts are as beloved across Britain as Sticky Toffee Pudding, a dense, moist sponge cake made with dates and drenched in a warm, buttery toffee sauce. Often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort. 

Its origins are somewhat debated—some claim it was invented in the 1970s at the Sharrow Bay Hotel in the Lake District, while others credit chefs in Scotland or Yorkshire. Wherever it came from, it quickly became a national treasure. The warm, caramel flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture make it the quintessential British dessert for cold evenings.

Try it at: Pubs across the UK, or make it at home with dates, brown sugar, and plenty of butter for that signature sticky finish.

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