Looking for something to make the winter nights more comfortable? Why not try a self saucing pudding!

This simple and humble dessert comes in many forms. From the classic chocolate and lemon to banana, caramel and everything in between. The version we present here is the sticky date pudding with a traditional caramel sauce, although the self-saucing is a bit more unusual.

These baked desserts are perfect to serve up for a Christmas in July event, but easy enough for an everyday dessert. So join us through winter as we share our puddings with you, starting with this fantastic recipe to help you seek comfort from the cold.

Chef Tip: To ensure your dessert has a perfect sauce to pudding ratio, it’s important not to overcook it. Cook your pudding only until it’s set on the top, otherwise you risk the sauce drying out.

What are you favourite winter recipes?

Australia produces a variety of dates, primarily in the regions of Mildura and Riverland in South Australia, as well as in the Riverina region of New South Wales. The dates grown in Australia are typically of the Medjool and Barhee varieties, among others. These dates are known for their sweetness and rich flavor. Australian dates are often available fresh, dried, or as date products such as date paste or date syrup. They are enjoyed both domestically and exported to various countries around the world.

Date Variates in Australia

These are just a few examples of the date varieties grown in Australia. The specific types and availability may vary depending on the region and the farm.

Medjool Dates: Medjool dates are large, soft, and sweet. They are often referred to as the “king of dates” due to their size and taste. These dates are grown in several regions of Australia, including the Riverland region in South Australia and the Riverina region in New South Wales.

Barhi Dates: Barhi dates are small to medium-sized dates with a soft, creamy texture and a caramel-like flavour. They are usually consumed when fully ripe and have a golden color. Barhi dates are grown in various parts of Australia, particularly in regions with a warm climate.

Deglet Noor Dates: Deglet Noor dates are semi-dry dates with a firm texture and a sweet, nutty taste. They are commonly used in cooking, baking, or enjoyed as a snack. While Deglet Noor dates are primarily grown in North Africa, some Australian farmers have started cultivating them in regions like the Riverland in South Australia.

Zahidi Dates: Zahidi dates are medium-sized, oval-shaped dates with a semi-dry texture and a sweet, buttery flavour. They are often consumed fresh or used in baking and confectionery. Zahidi dates are grown in regions across Australia, including the Riverland region in South Australia and parts of Western Australia.

Khadrawy Dates: Khadrawy dates are small to medium-sized dates with a soft and chewy texture. They have a rich caramel-like flavor and are enjoyed as a sweet treat. While Khadrawy dates are primarily grown in the Middle East, some Australian farmers cultivate them in suitable regions with a warm climate.

Self Saucing Sticky Date Pudding

Recipe by Jeff Simonetta

5.0 from 2 votes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Metric US

• 1 1/4 Cup 1 1/4 Cup self-raising flour

• 2/3 Cup 2/3 Cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 40 g 1 2/5 oz butter, melted

• 2/3 Cup 2/3 Cup milk

• 1 Cup 1 Cup pitted dried dates, finely chopped

• 1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Icing sugar and custard, to serve

• Sauce

• 1 Cup 1 Cup boiling water

• 1/2 Cup 1/2 Cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 25 g 7/8 oz butter, finely chopped

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C (356F/320F) fan-forced. Lightly grease an 8 cup-capacity oven-proof dish.
• Sift flour into a bowl. Add in the sugar, butter, cinnamon, and milk.
• Stir to combine ingredients, then fold in the dates.
• Spread the mixture into a prepared dish.
• Place the dish on a baking tray.
• To Make sauce: Place boiling water, sugar and butter in a heatproof jug.
• Stir until the butter has melted.
• Pour the sauce combination, over the back of a large spoon, over the pudding mixture.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until top has set. Take care not to overcook.
• Stand for 5 minutes. Dust with icing sugar.

Recipe Video

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