There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of caramel wafting through the kitchen, especially when you know that a warm, sticky toffee pudding is just moments away. Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and the day has left you craving a sweet escape. That’s when I turn to my Instant Pot for rescue! This delightful British dessert combines the lusciousness of moist date cake with a rich caramel sauce, effortlessly cooked in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.

One bite of this decadent treat brings a smile, while the melting vanilla ice cream cascading over each spoonful makes it a memory worth savoring. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding is my go-to recipe for impressing guests and satisfying sweet cravings alike. Dive into this indulgence, and let the enchantment of homemade comfort food take you on a delicious journey!

Why is Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding a must-try?

Effortless Preparation: The Instant Pot makes creating this traditional dessert a breeze, cutting down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Irresistible Aroma: Your kitchen will fill with the warm scent of caramel and dates, making it a must for your next cozy evening.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, this dessert is sure to impress even the most discerning sweet tooth!
Moist and Decadent: With its rich texture and luscious caramel sauce, each bite is a delicious experience.
Versatile Twist: Add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit, to customize this classic treat. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable finish!

Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need for an indulgent treat!

For the Date Cake

Medjool dates – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; can substitute with dried figs or prunes if necessary.
Hot water – Hydrates dates to soften and enhance the flavor.
Baking soda – Helps the cake rise for a light texture.
Vanilla extract – Infuses aromatic flavor; use pure vanilla for best results.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while balancing flavors.
Eggs – Provides structure and moisture; can swap for flax eggs for a vegan option.
All-purpose flour – Offers structure to hold the cake together; try gluten-free flour as an alternative.

For the Caramel Sauce

Heavy cream – Creates a luscious caramel sauce; can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Light brown sugar – Sweetens and adds a hint of molasses flavor; dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper taste.
Molasses – Enhances flavor depth; can be omitted if unavailable but some richness will be lost.

This Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding is a scrumptious experience that promises to become a favorite!

How to Make Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding

Prepare Dates: In a bowl, combine pitted and chopped Medjool dates with 1 cup of hot water and baking soda. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the dates soften beautifully.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and the softened date mixture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
Prepare the Instant Pot: Lightly grease a round cake pan that fits inside your Instant Pot. Pour the batter into the pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring the steam doesn’t escape.
Cook in Instant Pot: Insert the cake pan into the Instant Pot on the steam rack. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot, secure the lid, and set it to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining steam.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While the pudding cools slightly, combine heavy cream, light brown sugar, and molasses in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes a luscious sauce, about 5–7 minutes.
Serve: Invert the pudding onto a serving plate and drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce. Enjoy with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat!

Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor dimension.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding

Fridge: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled pudding tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Serve with a drizzle of freshly made caramel sauce!

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the pudding a day in advance and refrigerate before serving; just warm it up when you’re ready to enjoy this creamy Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding!

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding

Perfect Pudding Texture: Ensure your batter is just mixed; overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Aim for a moist and fluffy Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding!
Secure Coverage: Tightly cover your cake pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from dripping into the batter during cooking. This helps maintain its fluffy consistency.
Check Your Pan Size: Make sure your cake pan fits well inside the Instant Pot without touching the lid. Proper fit is crucial for even cooking.
Natural Pressure Release: Allow for a natural pressure release to ensure the pudding finishes cooking gently without becoming too dense or gummy.
Extra Caramel Delight: Drizzle additional caramel sauce right before serving for an indulgent touch. It elevates the dessert from delicious to divine!

Make Ahead Options

These Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding delights are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the date mixture and batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the pitted dates with hot water and baking soda, then cover and refrigerate. Just before you’re ready to serve, pour the batter into the prepared pan and steam it in the Instant Pot as instructed. For the caramel sauce, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just gently reheat before drizzling it over the pudding. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of having this comforting dessert ready for any occasion, maintaining its rich taste and texture!

Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding Variations

Feel free to explore delightful twists and substitutions that make this classic dessert fit your taste perfectly!

Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch in every bite. The contrasting textures will elevate your pudding!
Chocolate Bliss: Replace the caramel sauce with warm chocolate ganache for a uniquely decadent experience that chocolate lovers will adore. This twist adds richness that makes it unforgettable.
Fruit Infusion: Toss in dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins to the batter for a fruity kick that complements the sweet dates beautifully. The sweetness of the fruit balances the richness of the pudding perfectly.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or ginger powder for a zesty twist to your dish. These warming spices infuse the pudding with depth and additional warmth.
Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a well-balanced gluten-free flour blend, enabling everyone to enjoy this scrumptious treat. It retains excellent texture while catering to dietary needs.
Vegan Swap: Replace eggs with flax eggs and substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil to craft a completely plant-based version. This allows you and your vegan friends to indulge without missing out!
Creamy Layering: For a richer sauce, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the caramel while cooking on the stove. The added depth of flavor creates a sophisticated finish to this comforting dessert.
Coconut Infusion: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist, giving the pudding a delightful chewiness and unique flair. This simple addition transports your taste buds to warmer shores!

What to Serve with Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Transform your cozy dessert into a memorable meal with these delightful pairings.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm pudding, adding a luscious contrast to every bite.
Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream provides a light and airy element that balances the rich sweetness of the pudding. A dollop is simply heavenly!
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries introduce a fresh, tangy note that enhances the depth of the dessert. Their bright colors also add a lovely presentation touch.
Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture that complements the moist cake, creating a delightful contrast with every spoonful.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Extra caramel sauce elevates the dessert experience, enhancing the rich sweetness while inviting indulgence in each bites.
Hot Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea rounds out the meal beautifully, providing a comforting finish to your sweet escape.

Make your dessert memorable and delightful with these perfect pairings!

Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe FAQs

How should I select the best Medjool dates for this recipe?
When selecting Medjool dates, look for ones that are plump and shiny, with no dark spots or wrinkles. They should feel soft but not overly mushy. Avoid dates that have a sticky or dried-out exterior. Using high-quality dates will enhance the moisture and natural sweetness of your pudding!

How can I store leftover Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh and moist, remember to seal it tightly. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

Can I freeze Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Absolutely! To freeze the pudding, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. This way, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired!

What should I do if my pudding comes out too dense?
If your pudding turns out dense, it’s often a sign that the batter was overmixed. Next time, be sure to fold in the flour gently until just combined. Also, ensure that your baking soda is fresh; expired leavening agents can result in a less-than-fluffy texture. By following these tips, you’ll have the perfectly moist pudding you crave!

Is Instant Pot Sticky Toffee Pudding suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegetable oil and use a non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream for the caramel sauce. If you’re looking for a vegan approach, swap the eggs with flax eggs (one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water for each egg) and ensure to use plant-based sugar. Enjoy this dessert while accommodating different dietary needs!