Name: Sticky Date Pudding
Ingredients: 4/5 cup (200 g) pitted dried dates, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (150 ml) water; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar; 1 cup (250 ml) soy milk; 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp (90 ml) vegetable oil; 2 teaspoon (8 g) vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cup (250 g) self-rising flour; 3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar; Pinch of salt; Butterscotch Sauce; 3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup (80 g) vegan butter; Vegan ice cream, for serving

Sticky Date Pudding

By: Reece Hignell, excerpted from Cakeboi Goes Vegan

Sticky Date Pudding

By: Reece Hignell, excerpted from Cakeboi Goes Vegan

Delve into a timeless dessert experience with our Sticky Date Pudding. This luscious treat is brimming with the rich sweetness of dates, complemented by a velvety sauce that drapes each serving. It’s a dessert that resonates with tradition, offering a blend of warmth, comfort and indulgence. Perfect for cool evenings or festive gatherings, this pudding is a testament to the beauty of classic flavors, reimagined for the modern palate. Enjoy a spoonful of nostalgia and sweetness in every bite.

Makes8 puddings

Ingredients

4/5 cup (200 g) pitted dried dates, roughly chopped
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (150 ml) water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 cup (250 ml) soy milk
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp (90 ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (8 g) vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup (250 g) self-rising flour
3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar
Pinch of salt
Butterscotch Sauce
3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar
1/3 cup (80 g) vegan butter
Vegan ice cream, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

To start this cake, place the dates and water in a medium saucepan, then bring to a boil. Add the baking soda, then remove from the heat and allow it to sit for 15 minutes to soften the fruit.
Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C) and grease and line an 8-inch (20-cm) baking tin with baking paper.
In a bowl, mix the vinegar and soy milk, then set aside for 5 minutes. The mixture will curdle and thicken. Now, add the oil and vanilla and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, dark brown sugar and salt. In three batches, mix the milk mixture into the dry mix using a spatula; don’t use an electric mixer. Ensure that each addition is well incorporated. Finally, carefully fold through the dates and liquid. Pour the cake batter into the lined cake tin.
Bake on the center rack for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the tin for 10 minutes.
To make the butterscotch sauce, heat the dark brown sugar and butter in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the caramel over the cake whilst it is still in the tin. Let the cake soak up the sauce before serving with your favorite vegan ice cream.

Tip: If you find it difficult to find “dark” brown sugar, just add a tablespoon (21 g) of molasses.