Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this Sticky Date Pudding with Balsamic Caramel Sauce—a timeless classic infused with a modern twist. Soft, moist, and loaded with the natural sweetness of plumped pitted dates, this pudding is the perfect harmony of rich flavors and tenderness. The star of the dish is the luscious balsamic caramel sauce, which adds a tangy sophistication to the traditional buttery caramel, elevating every bite to gourmet levels. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, this easy-to-make dessert is ideal for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a cozy family treat. Serve it warm, drizzled with the glossy caramel sauce, and watch how it becomes the highlight of any occasion. Perfect for showcasing unique flavor pairings, this indulgent dessert is sure to satisfy both classic and adventurous palates alike.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease an 8-inch square or round baking dish.
Chop the pitted dates into small pieces and place them in a small saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat and immediately stir in the baking soda. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
Stir the cooled date mixture (including any liquid) into the batter until evenly incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the pudding is baking, prepare the balsamic caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
Add the balsamic vinegar and unsalted butter to the saucepan, then simmer the sauce for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from the heat. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Once the pudding is baked, allow it to cool for 5 minutes in the dish. Then, slice into portions and serve warm, drizzled generously with the balsamic caramel sauce.
Calories |
4469 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 202.5 g | 260% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.7 g | 598% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 901 mg | 300% | |
| Sodium | 3181 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 638.6 g | 232% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 468.2 g | ||
| Protein | 38.1 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 428 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 2394 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.