Best Healthy Sticky Date Pudding Recipe

Sticky date pudding is a classic dish that was historically a staple dessert in the cold winter months. Fast forward to today, and sticky date pudding is still a well loved dessert around the globe. Although it's better known as 'sticky toffee pudding' around most of the world; as a proud Australian, I'll always call it 'sticky date pudding'. I know that only a few select countries, including Australia and New Zealand, call it this, but when the main ingredient is dates, it just makes much more sense, don't you think? Growing up, it was always one of my favourite desserts, and any day I got to enjoy the sweet taste of sticky date pudding was a day to remember. I loved it then and I still love it now.

However, as I've grown older and become more health conscious, the frequency of my sticky date pudding consumption has dramatically decreased. Traditionally packed with brown sugar, this dessert isn't what you'd ordinarily call healthy. After a solid three or four years without eating this dish, I decided that enough is enough. I needed to create a significantly healthier alternative that could be shamelessly enjoyed by myself and any other health conscious people out there. And if you're reading this, I bet you fall into that 'health conscious' category.

I've tested some of the other healthier sticky date pudding recipes, but in my opinion, they were all bland and didn't closely resemble the real thing. Thus, I set out to create my own healthy version of this classic dessert, and I think you'll be impressed by the results.

This healthy sticky date pudding recipe is perfect for Christmas events, or at any time throughout the year. There's truly never a bad time to eat sticky date pudding!

The Evolution of Sticky Date Pudding

Traditionally, sticky date pudding is made with a generous amount of brown sugar, butter, and cream, making it a rich and decadent dessert. Over time, people have experimented with various twists and adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Why a Healthier Version?

As I've grown older and become more health-conscious, the frequency of my sticky date pudding consumption has dramatically decreased. Traditionally packed with brown sugar, this dessert isn't what you'd ordinarily call healthy. After a solid three or four years without eating this dish, I decided that enough is enough. I needed to create a significantly healthier alternative that could be shamelessly enjoyed by myself and any other health-conscious people out there. And if you're reading this, I bet you fall into that 'health-conscious' category.

Key Ingredients in the Healthy Version

In my healthier version of sticky date pudding, I've made some essential swaps to reduce the sugar content and incorporate more nutritious ingredients:

Natural Sweeteners

Instead of brown sugar, I've used rice malt syrup and honey. These natural sweeteners provide the desired sweetness without the negative health impacts of refined sugar.

Coconut Cream

Regular cream has been replaced with coconut cream, which is not only dairy-free but also provides healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.

Almond Meal and Cinnamon

Instead of regular flour, I've opted for almond meal and cinnamon. Almond meal adds a nutty flavour and provides protein and healthy fats, while cinnamon adds a warm spice that complements the dates perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits

This healthier sticky date pudding is packed with nutritional benefits:

• Reduced Sugar Content: Using natural sweeteners helps lower the overall sugar content.
• Healthy Fats: Coconut cream and almond meal provide healthy fats that support overall well-being.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Taste and Texture Comparison

Traditionally, this dessert was quite heavy and dense. However, my healthy version tends to be much lighter and won't leave you feeling sick and cradling your belly for the rest of the night. But fear not, because my healthy version retains that sweet, caramelly taste that we all know and love. Not only that, but this healthy sticky date pudding is moist and will stay this way for a few days.

The taste of this healthy dessert truly must be experienced to be believed. Who knew that something that isn't loaded with sugar could taste so good!

Healthy Sticky Date Pudding Recipe: Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

Ingredients for sticky date pudding

• 450g fresh dates
• 1/2 rice malt syrup or honey
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp bi-carb soda
• 2 cups almond meal
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup Nuttalex or melted butter (if not dairy free)

Ingredients for caramel sauce

• 120g fresh Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup rice malt syrup
• 1/2 cup coconut cream

Method

Method for sticky date pudding

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a cake tin with baking paper.
2. In a saucepan add dates, rice malt syrup and water. Cook on medium-low heat for about 7-10 minutes until the dates have really softened and it's become more of a sticky mixture. Add the bi-carb soda, then stir through and set aside to cool.
3. In a bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients listed under 'ingredients for stick date'. Stir through the date mixture.
4. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 45mins-1hr. If it needs longer but the top is starting to burn, lightly cover the top with alfoil.

Method for caramel sauce

1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until well combined and smooth.
2. Serve the sticky date warm with the caramel sauce on top and some roasted almonds

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• To ensure the right consistency, make sure the date mixture is well-softened before adding the bicarbonate of soda.
• If you want a more traditional kind of dessert, feel free to serve it with a dollop of fresh cream or ice cream.
• Poking holes into the top of the pudding before pouring the caramel sauce over can help to add more moisture to the pudding.

Serving Suggestions

• Traditional: Serve with a dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Fancy: Garnish with roasted almonds or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Individual Portions: Follow the same recipe but divide the batter into individual pudding moulds or ramekins before baking.

Storing and Reheating

To keep your sticky date pudding fresh:

• Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

Variations to Try

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spicier twist.
• Toppings: Try serving with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt on the caramel sauce.

Health Benefits Recap

To summarize, this healthy sticky date pudding offers:

• Lower Sugar Content: Thanks to natural sweeteners.
• Healthy Fats: From coconut cream and almond meal.
• Nutrient-Rich: Dates provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Reader Testimonials and Feedback

Many readers have tried and loved this healthy sticky date pudding recipe. Here are some of their comments:

• "I couldn't believe how delicious this healthier version is. It's now a staple in our home!"
• "The natural sweetness from the dates and honey is perfect. I didn't miss the sugar at all."
• "Even my kids, who usually turn their noses up at 'healthy' desserts, asked for seconds."

Conclusion

In conclusion, this healthy sticky date pudding is a fantastic alternative to the traditional version. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious dessert without the guilt. Give this recipe a try, and I'm sure you'll be just as impressed as I was with the results.

If you enjoyed this recipe and are hungry for some more great healthy desserts, then you need to check out my healthy caramel tart as well as my healthy choc brownie-caramel slice.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular sugar instead of rice malt syrup or honey?

Yes, you can use regular sugar, but it will increase the sugar content and make the dessert less healthy. If you want to maintain the health benefits of this recipe, it's best to stick with natural sweeteners like rice malt syrup or honey.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. By using almond meal instead of regular flour, we eliminate gluten while adding a nutritious, protein-rich ingredient.

3. Can I substitute the almond meal with another type of flour?

You can substitute almond meal with other gluten-free flours like coconut flour or oat flour, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. It's important to note that different flours absorb moisture differently, so you might need to adjust the liquid content accordingly.

4. How should I store the leftover sticky date pudding?

Store any leftover sticky date pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to five days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until it's heated through.

5. Can I freeze the sticky date pudding?

Yes, you can freeze the sticky date pudding. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven or microwave.

6. Can I make this pudding dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is already dairy-free as it uses coconut cream instead of regular cream. If you prefer, you can also use dairy-free butter alternatives like Nuttalex.

7. Can I prepare the pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and pour the caramel sauce over the top.

8. Is there a way to make the caramel sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker caramel sauce, you can simmer it on the stove for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken it. Alternatively, adding a bit more dates can also help to thicken the sauce naturally.

9. What can I use if I don't have a blender for the caramel sauce?

If you don't have a blender, you can use a food processor to combine the caramel sauce ingredients. If neither is available, finely chopping the dates and whisking the ingredients together will work, though the sauce may be less smooth.

10. Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?

While dates provide a unique flavour and texture essential to sticky date pudding, you could experiment with other dried fruits like figs or prunes. Keep in mind that this will alter the traditional taste and consistency of the pudding.

11. What other sweeteners can I use if I don't have rice malt syrup or honey?

You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a low-calorie sweetener like stevia. However, each sweetener has a different level of sweetness, so you might need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired taste.

12. How do I prevent the pudding from becoming too dry?

To prevent the pudding from becoming too dry, ensure you don't overbake it. Check it a few minutes before the end of the recommended baking time. Also, pouring the caramel sauce over the pudding while it's still warm can help retain moisture.

13. Can I add other flavours or spices to the pudding?

Yes, you can customize the pudding by adding other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of orange zest for a different flavour profile.

14. How can I make individual servings of this pudding?

To make individual servings, divide the sticky date batter into individual pudding moulds or ramekins before baking. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller portions will bake faster.

15. What should I do if my pudding is too dense?

If your pudding turns out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or not incorporating enough air. Ensure you mix the ingredients until just combined and consider sifting the almond meal to make it lighter.