Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake Recipe

The Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake Recipe is rich, soft and very comforting. This cake is famous for its deep flavor and warm toffee sauce.

It feels fancy but is easy to make at home. The cake stays moist and sweet. The sauce soaks into every bite. This dessert is perfect for cold days, family dinners, or special guests.

In this post, you will learn How to make Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake step by step using simple tools and easy ingredients.

My Experience With This Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake Recipe

I first made this cake on a rainy evening. The smell filled my kitchen fast. The cake baked soft and dark.

The toffee sauce turned smooth and shiny. When I poured it on the warm cake, it soaked in perfectly. My family loved every bite.

We served it warm with cream. Everyone asked for more. Now, I make it often for guests. It never fails to impress.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake
• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: British-American
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Spoon

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake

• Dates – 1 cup, chopped
• Hot water – 1 cup
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
• Brown sugar – ¾ cup
• Eggs – 2 large
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon

For Toffee Sauce:

• Unsalted butter – ½ cup
• Brown sugar – 1 cup
• Heavy cream – ¾ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Dates

Put chopped dates in a bowl. Pour hot water over them. Add baking soda. Let them soften for ten minutes.

2. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Grease lightly.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about three minutes.

4. Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Add vanilla extract and mix again.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Stir gently until well combined.

6. Mix Batter

Add dry ingredients to wet mixture slowly. Mix gently. Add softened dates with liquid. Stir until smooth.

7. Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cake should spring back when touched.

8. Make Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and cream. Cook on low heat until thick and smooth.

9. Add Vanilla

Remove sauce from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Sauce should look glossy and rich.

10. Finish the Cake

Poke small holes in warm cake. Pour half the toffee sauce over cake. Let it soak.

Read More: Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake

• Use soft, fresh dates for best texture.
• Do not overmix batter. Cake stays lighter this way.
• Pour sauce while cake is warm.
• Use real butter for rich flavor.
• Serve cake fresh for best taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not skip soaking dates. Cake will be dry.
• Avoid high heat for sauce. It can burn fast.
• Do not overbake cake. It should stay moist.
• Avoid cold butter when mixing batter.
• Do not rush cooling before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake warm for best flavor. Pour extra toffee sauce on top. Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

It also tastes great with custard. This cake is perfect after dinner or during holidays. It feels cozy and special every time.

Variations You Can Try

• Add chopped nuts for crunch.
• Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Add orange zest for freshness.
• Serve as cupcakes instead of one cake.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to batter.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store cake covered in the fridge for three days.
• Keep sauce in a sealed jar separately.
• Reheat cake in microwave for twenty seconds.
• Warm sauce gently before serving.
• Do not freeze with sauce on top.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	58 g
Fat	20 g
Sugar	38 g
Sodium	210 mg

Health Benefits

Dates provide fiber and natural sweetness. Homemade cake avoids preservatives. Using moderate portions keeps dessert balanced.

This cake offers comfort and energy when enjoyed occasionally. Pair it with fruit or tea for balance.

FAQs about Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake one day early. Store covered in fridge. Reheat gently before adding warm sauce.

Can I use store-bought date paste?
You can, but chopped dates give better texture. If using paste, reduce liquid slightly for correct batter thickness.

Is this cake very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced. The cake itself is mild. Most sweetness comes from the warm toffee sauce.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze cake without sauce. Wrap well. Thaw fully and reheat before serving with fresh sauce.

What pan size works best?
An eight-inch square or round pan works well. Cake bakes evenly and stays moist in this size.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Sticky Toffee Cake Recipe is warm, rich and very comforting. It uses simple steps and easy ingredients.

The soft cake and sweet sauce work perfectly together. This dessert is great for guests or family nights.

Once you try it, you will want to make it again. Follow this guide to enjoy a classic, homemade treat everyone will love.