Sticky Toffee Pudding or the not as fun sounding “date cake,” brough a splash of British to our American Thanksgiving in Switzerland. The feast was a real international event! This cake was easy to throw together, and the taste was delicious even if it looks like something from the swamp. You can add Bourbon to the sauce, but it’s not necessary. I notice that even Ina has an updated recipe to exclude it- your choice.

Ina’s Sticky Toffee Date Cake with Bourbon Glaze

For the cake:

• 350g. dates, pitted and finely chopped
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 c. flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 T. baking powder

For the sauce:

• 1.5 sticks of butter
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 T. Maker’s Mark Bourbon (may omit)

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour a 9″ cake pan, set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine dates with 1 3/4 c. water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce temperature and simmer for one minute.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Set aside.
5. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine butter and sugar for three minutes until fluffy.
6. Place the mixer on low and add eggs, one at a time.
7. Add the vanilla. (Mixture may look curdled and that is OK).
8. Add the flour and salt.
9. Slowly add the hot date mixture to the batter.
10. Stir in the baking powder.
11. Pour into prepared pan.
12. Bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
13. While the cake is baking, prepare the sauce by placing butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt in a medium sauce pan, bringing it to a boil.
14. Reduce heat and simmer for one minute.
15. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and Bourbon if using.
16. Pour sauce into a heat proof glass measuring cup and set aside.
17. When cake is finished, remove from oven and use a keabab stick or other vehicle to poke holes all over the cake.
18. Pour 3/4 of the sauce over the cake and allow the cake to soak for 30 minutes.
19. Turn the cake bottom side up onto a serving dish and pour the remaining sauce on top, which will puddle.
20. Allow to cool at room temperature and serve room temperature or warmed in the microwave. Excellent with whipped cream or ice cream.