Sticky Date Cake Recipe – Moist, Rich & Perfect with Toffee Sauce

The first time I made this sticky date cake, it was one of those rainy afternoons when the kids were finally napping, and the kitchen was just quiet enough to think. I wasn’t aiming for fancy—just warm, rich, spoonfuls of comfort. But then the toffee started bubbling, the smell of butter and brown sugar filling the air… and suddenly, it became the cake. The one we now bake every fall, every birthday, every time someone needs a little extra love.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Date Cake

This sticky date cake recipe is everything you want in a cozy dessert: rich, moist, and loaded with that deep, caramelized sweetness only dates can give. Every bite melts into a buttery warmth, especially when you drizzle it with homemade cognac toffee and add a scoop of ice cream.

Despite its luxurious flavor, it’s surprisingly easy to make—no mixer required unless you want to puree the dates. It’s perfect for when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert for the holidays, a dinner party centerpiece, or just something sweet to savor on a chilly night in.

And the best part? That moment when the warm toffee soaks into the cake’s golden edges—pure magic. If you’ve never tried sticky date cake before, this is the recipe that’ll make you fall hard for it.

What Is Sticky Date Cake?

This sticky date cake recipe is inspired by the classic comfort desserts popular in the UK and Australia—but with a few tweaks to make it just right for cozy American kitchens. It’s not your average cake. Think: deeply moist, rich with caramel-like flavor from sweet dates, and finished with a buttery toffee sauce that sinks into every bite.

Unlike traditional sticky toffee pudding, which is usually spooned out like a soft, saucy dessert, this sticky date cake has more structure. It’s sliceable, easy to serve, and even better the next day. The star ingredient—dates—breaks down into a soft paste that gives the cake its trademark tenderness and warmth.

Whether you serve it as part of a holiday spread or just want a new go-to dessert, this sticky date cake recipe brings bold flavor and nostalgic comfort to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cozy dessert comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients—plus a few rich add-ins to make each bite warm, soft, and sweet with just the right amount of decadence.

For the Cake Base

• Dates (8 oz, chopped): These little gems are the heart of the cake. Once softened in hot milk, they break down into a creamy base that sweetens and moistens every bite.
• Milk (1 cup) + Baking Soda (1 tsp): Softens the fruit and creates a gentle lift.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Brings a rich, caramel-toned sweetness without overwhelming.
• Eggs (2): Help bind the batter while keeping it tender.
• Softened butter (8 tbsp): Adds richness and keeps the crumb soft and moist.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A quiet but essential flavor boost.
• All-purpose flour (1⅓ cups or 170g): Just enough to hold everything together.
• Baking powder (1 tsp) + Salt (½ tsp): Balance and structure in every slice.

For the Toffee Drizzle (Optional, but Worth It)

• Unsalted butter (⅓ cup): Forms the buttery base of the sauce.
• Packed brown sugar (¾ cup): Melts into a dark, syrupy finish.
• Heavy cream (1¼ cups): Gives the sauce a smooth, rich pour.
• Vanilla (1 tsp): Deepens the sweetness.
• Cognac or brandy (2 tsp, optional): A grown-up twist if you’re feeling fancy.

This sauce transforms a simple cake into a full-on dessert moment—soak the cake, drizzle extra on top, or even serve a little on the side for dipping bites.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Which dates work best? If you’ve got Medjool dates, use them—they’re softer and naturally sweeter. Drier varieties like Deglet Noor still work well, just give them a bit more soak time.
• No dairy? Use vegan butter and swap in oat or almond milk; for the cream, canned coconut milk adds lovely body.
• Need it gluten-free? A cup-for-cup baking blend with built-in binders (like xanthan gum) will keep things moist and cohesive.

How to Make Sticky Date Cake (Step-by-Step)

This sticky date cake recipe is one of those cozy desserts that feels like it took hours—but really, it’s just five easy steps, a few bowls, and a warm kitchen.

Step 1 – Warm Up the Dates

Place your chopped dates in a medium bowl. Heat the milk until it’s hot (but not boiling), then pour it over the dates. Add the baking soda right after and mix briefly. The mixture will puff and fizz a little as everything starts to soften—give it a moment to mellow out.

Let the bowl rest for about 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken naturally as the fruit breaks down. If you’re after a smooth texture, you can use a handheld blender to blend it lightly. Personally, I like a few soft chunks left in—they give the cake more character.

Step 2 – Mix the Batter

In another bowl, mix the softened butter with the brown sugar until it looks airy and pale. Add in your eggs one at a time, mixing after each to keep things silky. Pour in your vanilla and give it a quick stir.

Now add the date mixture into the bowl and stir gently. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly combine the dry mix into the wet one, stirring just enough to bring everything together without overworking the batter. The aroma? Already delicious.

Step 3 – Bake Until Just Right

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 metal pan with parchment, letting it come up the sides slightly for easy lifting later.

Pour the batter in and smooth out the top using a spoon or offset spatula. Bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and springy, and a skewer comes out with soft crumbs clinging to it. Let the cake rest in the pan for half an hour so it firms up just enough to soak in the sauce without falling apart.

Step 4 – Make the Toffee

While the cake rests, melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted, stir in the cream, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer gently, stirring often, until it thickens just slightly and becomes glossy.

Off the heat, add the vanilla—and if you like a bit of grown-up warmth, a splash of cognac or brandy does wonders here. This is the secret sauce that makes this sticky date cake recipe unforgettable.

Step 5 – Bring It All Together

Trim a thin edge off the cake to help it soak evenly. Then use a fork or a thin skewer to make small punctures across the surface. Those little holes help the sauce seep deep into the crumb, making every bite extra rich.

Drizzle a spoonful or two of sauce into the base of your pan. Place the cake back in, then slowly pour the rest of the warm sauce over the top. Take your time—it’s worth it. Give it a good 30 minutes to relax and drink up the warm, golden toffee—it’s worth the wait.

Serve warm with your favorite ice cream or top it with date bark or dates caramel sauce for extra decadence. This is the sort of dessert people remember—rich, cozy, and made to be shared.

Tips for the Best Sticky Date Cake

This sticky date cake recipe is simple, but a few little tweaks can make it go from good to completely unforgettable. Here are my favorite tips after baking it a dozen times (and watching it disappear every time I do):

• Don’t rush the soak: After you pour that toffee sauce over the cake, give it time to absorb. Letting the cake rest after saucing (around 30 minutes) gives you that deep, sticky texture everyone loves in a proper sticky date cake recipe.
• Use a metal pan, not glass: Metal conducts heat better, giving you even edges and a golden-baked base. Glass or ceramic pans tend to bake slower and may lead to an overly soft center.
• Avoid overmixing: Once the flour hits the wet ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and chewy in the wrong way.
• Serve it warm (or warm it up!): The toffee softens and shines when slightly heated. Pop slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving, especially if making ahead.
• Add toppings right before serving: Ice cream melts quickly, and cookie crumbles can soften too much if added early. Assemble just before serving for the best contrast in textures.

Whether it’s your first time making this sticky date cake recipe or it’s already in your rotation, these tips will make every batch feel bakery-worthy—only better, because it came from your own kitchen.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

One of the best parts about this sticky date cake recipe—aside from how incredibly good it tastes—is how well it fits into real life. Whether you’re prepping it a day ahead or saving that last slice for later, it’s a dessert that keeps on giving.

• Make Ahead: Feel free to bake the cake the night before—it holds up wonderfully and tastes even better after resting. Wait to add the sauce until just before serving for the best texture. Warm the toffee slowly over low heat or in short microwave bursts, then drizzle generously over the cake once it’s ready to shine.
• Storage: If your sticky date cake recipe is already sauced and sliced, tuck the leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep well on the counter for up to 2 days, or pop it in the fridge and enjoy it within 4 to 5 days. Reheat individual servings for 15–20 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
• Freezing Tips: Want to stash some for later? Once the cake has cooled, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Skip the sauce for now—just freeze the cake on its own. The toffee can be frozen separately in a sealed jar or container. When you’re ready for dessert, thaw both overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve made this sticky classic once, it’s hard not to dream up new ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or tweaking for dietary needs, here are a few tried-and-true spins on this beloved date dessert:

Sticky Date Bundt Cake

Want something with a bit more visual wow-factor? Pour your batter into a greased Bundt pan and bake until the edges are deeply golden and a toothpick comes out clean. It gives the cake a beautiful shape and even more crispy caramelized edges. Don’t forget to pour the warm sauce slowly over the top so it drips into every crevice.

Sticky Date Cupcakes or Muffins

Perfect for portioning or sharing! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin (fill about ¾ full) and bake until puffed and firm to the touch—usually around 18–22 minutes. Spoon the toffee over each one while they’re still warm, and top with a scoop of ice cream or a little crumble for extra fun.

Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Adaptations

Need a version that suits more people around the table? Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum). For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and coconut milk in both the batter and the sauce. The flavor will change slightly, but it’s still rich, sticky, and full of personality.

These variations keep the soul of the dessert intact—moist, indulgent, and just the right amount of nostalgic—while letting you experiment based on what you’ve got in the pantry or who’s coming to dinner.

Sticky Date Cake Nutrition Highlights

This isn’t a light and airy sponge—it’s a satisfyingly dense dessert, made to be savored in smaller slices. Thanks to the natural sweetness of dates, you can enjoy bold flavor without an overload of added sugar.

A little goes a long way: one square is rich enough to stand on its own, especially when paired with ice cream or a drizzle of sauce. You can make it slightly lighter by using almond flour in place of part of the regular flour, or by reducing the sugar if your dates are especially sweet.

Want to cut dairy? Swap in full-fat coconut milk for the cream and a plant-based butter—still deliciously sticky, but a little gentler on the stomach.

FAQs – Sticky Date Cake Recipe

More Date Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re loving the cozy, caramel-like depth that dates bring to desserts, you’re in the right kitchen. Here are a few other reader favorites that make the most of this underrated fruit:

– Craving something simple and snackable? Try our viral date bark recipe—sweet, salty, and crunchy all in one bite.
– Need a sauce that goes with everything? This dates caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, ice cream, or even your morning oats.
– For chocolate lovers, these gooey date brownies are rich, fudgy, and naturally sweetened with—you guessed it—plump, blended dates.

Each recipe celebrates the humble date in its own delicious way, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself on a quiet evening.

Tried This Sticky Date Cake Recipe? Share Your Thoughts!

I’d love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen! Leave a star rating, drop a comment with your favorite twist, or tell me who you shared it with (even if it was just yourself—no judgment here).

And if you’re into cozy, real-life bakes like this one, don’t forget to pin it for later or follow along over on Pinterest for more nostalgic treats and everyday favorites.

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