Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding

Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe - Delicious Dessert from Down Under

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and toffee in a moist, decadent pudding. This recipe offers a twist on the traditional sticky toffee pudding by incorporating cocoa into the batter, resulting in a dessert that's sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. Perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat, this pudding is surprisingly simple to make and is guaranteed to impress your guests.

History

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Its origins can be traced back to the 20th century in the UK. The Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding is a variation that adds a chocolatey twist to the traditional recipe. This adaptation has gained popularity in Australia and beyond, blending the rich, moist texture of the original dessert with the universal appeal of chocolate.

Ingredients

0.5 cup(s) dates, pitted, chopped
1 teaspoon(s) instant-coffee powder or granules
0.5 teaspoon(s) baking soda
0.5 cup(s) all-purpose flour
0.33 cup(s) unsweetened cocoa
0.5 teaspoon(s) baking powder
0.25 teaspoon(s) salt
5 tablespoon(s) margarine or butter, softened
0.5 cup(s) granulated sugar
1 large egg
0.5 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
0.5 cup(s) light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoon(s) heavy or whipping cream
whipped cream (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease an 8" by 8" metal baking pan.
In a 1 qt (946 ml) saucepan, heat 0.75 cup of water over high heat until boiling.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in dates, instant coffee, and baking soda. Let it stand for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, on waxed paper, mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Set it aside.
In a large bowl, beat 3 tbsp of margarine or butter with granulated sugar until creamy using a mixer at medium-high speed.
Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well blended.
With the mixer at low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and date mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until the batter is evenly blended, occasionally scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula (the batter will be thin).
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Meanwhile, in a 1 qt (946 ml) saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream, and the remaining 2 tbsp of margarine or butter. Heat it to boiling over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside.
Remove the pudding from the oven.
Turn the oven control to broil.
Pour the brown sugar mixture over the hot pudding and spread it evenly.
Return the pudding to the oven and broil at the closest position to the heat source for 30 seconds or until bubbly.
Cool the pudding in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
Serve the pudding warm, with whipped cream if desired.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture. Alternatively, swap the dates for dried figs for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.

- Ensure your dates are finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the pudding.

- When mixing the batter, do not overmix to keep the pudding tender.

- Watch the pudding closely when broiling the toffee topping to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pudding warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. A drizzle of toffee sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavors further.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include boiling, baking, and broiling. Boiling the date mixture softens the dates and infuses them with coffee flavor, baking cooks the pudding evenly, and broiling caramelizes the toffee topping to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of dates, dried apricots make a good substitute. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream. Instant espresso powder can replace the coffee granules for a stronger coffee flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The pudding can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven before serving and add the toffee topping just before broiling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

A sweet dessert wine or a cup of strong coffee pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of this decadent dessert contains approximately 300 calories, making it a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this dessert are the dates, flour, and sugars, providing energy and sweetness.

Fats

This dessert contains about 10 grams of fat per serving, with the main sources being butter and heavy cream. These ingredients contribute to the pudding's rich texture and flavor.

Proteins

Each serving of the pudding provides around 3 grams of protein, coming mainly from the egg and to a lesser extent from the flour and cream.

Vitamins and minerals

The Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding offers small amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as iron from the cocoa and flour, and potassium from the dates.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the flour), eggs, and dairy (from the butter and cream). Those with allergies should take caution.

Summary

Overall, the Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich, indulgent dessert. While it provides some nutritional value, it is high in sugars and fats, making it an occasional treat rather than an everyday food.

Summary

The Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding is a sumptuous dessert that combines the moist, sweet qualities of traditional sticky toffee pudding with the rich depth of chocolate. Perfect for a special occasion or as a treat for chocolate lovers, this recipe is both easy to make and sure to delight. With its rich flavors and indulgent texture, it's a dessert that's bound to become a favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Australian Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for this decadent dessert.

The paper was yellowed with age, and the ink was faded, but the words were still legible. I could tell that it had been well-loved and used many times over the years. The recipe called for simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and of course, plenty of rich chocolate. But what really caught my eye was the addition of dates and a sticky toffee sauce that would be poured over the top of the pudding.

I had never made anything quite like this before, but I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures. I could almost taste the sweet, gooey toffee sauce paired with the rich, moist chocolate pudding. I knew I had to try my hand at making it.

I traced my finger over the words on the page, feeling a sense of connection to whoever had written them down so many years ago. I imagined a grandmother much like myself, standing in her own kitchen, carefully measuring out each ingredient and preparing this special dessert for her family.

With a newfound sense of determination, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven. As I measured out the flour and sugar, cracked the eggs, and chopped the dates, I felt a sense of excitement building inside me. This recipe felt like a treasure, a piece of culinary history that I was now a part of.

The kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of chocolate as the pudding baked in the oven. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, to see if it lived up to the expectations set by the handwritten recipe. When the timer finally beeped, I carefully removed the pudding from the oven and drizzled the sticky toffee sauce over the top.

I couldn't resist taking a bite before it had even cooled. The pudding was rich and moist, with a deep chocolate flavor that was perfectly complemented by the sweet, sticky toffee sauce. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of sweet and decadent.

As I savored each mouthful, I thought about the journey this recipe had taken to reach me. From its origins in Australia to the hands of my grandmother, and now to me, each person who had made this pudding had put their own unique spin on it. And now it was my turn to carry on the tradition, to share this delicious dessert with my own family and friends.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a go-to dessert for special occasions and lazy Sunday afternoons alike. And as I licked the last bit of toffee sauce from my spoon, I felt a sense of gratitude for the culinary heritage that had been passed down to me. I knew that this recipe would be one that I would cherish and share for many years to come.