Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Toffee Sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Simmer chopped dates in water for 5 minutes until soft; mash and set aside.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Gently mix in flour and baking powder, then fold in the mashed dates.
5. Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 35 minutes, until golden and set.
6. For the toffee sauce, heat cream, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla over low heat until melted and bubbling.
7. Serve pudding warm, generously drizzled with toffee sauce.