Boozy Sticky Date Pudding Recipe

There’s something about date pudding that brings me back to my childhood every time I make it. I can still remember the smell wafting from the kitchen as my mom stirred the rich, sticky batter, the warmth of the oven filling the house on those cold winter evenings. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a big, warm hug from the inside out.

I make it now, especially during the holidays, because it not only tastes like home. It also brings me closer to the people I love most. There’s a deep sense of comfort in sharing this dish with my family. Passing the plate around, watching everyone's faces light up with the first bite.

When I bake date pudding, it feels like Christmas is here. The air in the house fills with the sweet scent of dates and brown sugar, and I know that in just a few moments. My family will gather around the table, eager to dig in. As I slide it out of the oven, golden and inviting, I’m reminded of all the times I’ve served this to friends and family, and how each of those moments felt so special.

Date pudding is, without a doubt, the ultimate winter comfort food. When the days are shorter, the air colder, and the world outside feels a little quieter, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of this dessert to make everything feel right again.

The soft, moist texture of the pudding, paired with the sweet, decedant sauce, is the perfect remedy for those chilly evenings when you just need something to fill your heart and stomach.

For the pudding:

• Pitted dates: The dates are the star of the show, providing a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, buttery flavor of the pudding.
• Boiling water: The boiling water helps soften the dates, allowing them to meld into a smooth, sticky mixture that infuses the pudding with warmth and moisture.
• Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar brings a warm, molasses-like richness to the pudding, adding depth and a hint of toffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the dates.
• Unsalted butter: The butter gives the pudding its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while adding a creamy richness that balances the sweetness of the dates and sugar.
• Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients together, contributing to the light, airy texture of the pudding, while giving it a subtle richness.
• All-purpose flour: The flour provides structure to the pudding, ensuring it bakes up soft and moist, with just the right amount of spongy texture.
• Baking powder: The baking powder helps the pudding rise, creating that perfectly soft, fluffy interior that contrasts wonderfully with the sticky, rich sauce.

For the pinot noir sauce:

• Red wine (I love using pinot noir): The pinot noir wine adds a lovely depth of flavor, with fruity notes and a subtle tartness that balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
• White sugar: White sugar sweetens the sauce to perfection, creating a smooth, glossy finish that enhances the richness of the pudding.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note to the sauce, rounding out the flavors and making the whole dessert feel even more comforting.
• Ground cinnamon: The cinnamon introduces a touch of warmth and spice, giving the sauce a cozy, festive flavor that’s perfect for the colder months.

These ingredients may seem simple, but they come together in a way that makes the whole house feel cozy. The dates provide a natural sweetness, while the brown sugar and butter create a rich, comforting base. When you add the wine sauce on top, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you're wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.

See recipe card for exact quantities. 

Prepare the Date Mixture

Start by placing your chopped dates into a bowl and pouring the boiling water over them. Let the dates sit for about 10 minutes to soften up.

When the time is up, mash them up with a fork or a potato masher until it’s soft and mushy, like a porridge.

Make the Pudding Batter

Next, take butter and brown sugar, and beat them together in a bowl until they’re smooth and creamy.

Add in the eggs one at a time, and beat until smooth. Once that’s all mixed, gently fold in the flour and sprinkle the baking powder over the mixture. Stir until everything is combined, but don’t overdo it.

Combine and Bake

Now, fold in the date mixture until everything is well combined. Pour the cake batter into a greased cake pan, and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes.

As it bakes, the smell is absolutely irresistible—like all the warmth of winter bottled up in one dish.

Make the Wine Syrup

While the pudding is baking, it’s time to make the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the wine, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then remove from heat. 

Soak the Pudding

Make sure a skewered inserted into the centre comes out clean, then remove from oven. Once the pudding is done baking, take it out of the oven and poke holes all over the surface with a skewer. I do this slowly, carefully—like letting the pudding breathe in the sauce.

Pour half of the pinot noir sauce over the pudding while it’s still warm, letting it soak in for 10 minutes. 

Serve and Enjoy Old Fashioned Date Pudding

Lift the pudding out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice it into squares, or serve individual portions. Spoon the rest of the warm pinot noir sauce over the top, and add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream if you want to make it extra special. Serve warm for best results.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store the pudding in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. Or, if you prefer, pop it in the fridge, and it will last for up to a week. You can even freeze the pudding for up to 3 months.

The pinot noir sauce can be stored separately in a jar, and you can reheat the pudding before serving.

Heres how to make a Classic Toffee date pudding with Caramel sauce recipe: 

Try making the toffee sauce by first caramelizing brown sugar. Then, add butter together in a saucepan until it turns golden and rich. Slowly stir in heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt. Allow the mixture to bubble gently until it thickens into a smooth, velvety caramel sauce. This will create a deeply sweet and buttery sauce that is perfect for soaking into the sticky toffee pudding recipe.

For a delightful twist on a classic, try this Soft Gingerbread Loaf Casserole, perfect for those chilly afternoons. If you're a fan of autumn flavors, you won’t want to miss this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread. When Thanksgiving rolls around, the Tried and True Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Stuffing is always a hit at our dinner table. For a festive treat, bake up a batch of Spiced and Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies or enjoy some Pumpkin Spice Muffins.

For a savory dish, check out these Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs that are full of flavor. If you're looking for an elegant appetizer, try this Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts that pairs beautifully with crackers or fruit. And for a dish that’s a little different, this Recipe for Carrot Casserole is a delicious way to serve up this vegetable with a creamy twist.