Bettys Self Saucing Sticky Date Pudding Recipes

Steps:

• Put the dates in a bowl and pour in 300ml boiling water. Leave to soak for 30 mins. Meanwhile, make the sauce by tipping all the ingredients, a big pinch of salt and 300ml boiling water into a pan, then whisk over a medium heat and simmer for 2 mins. Pour into a jug and leave to cool slightly. Once the dates are soaked, use a hand blender to blitz the dates and water until you have smooth paste. Leave to cool slightly. Butter a deep 35 x 25cm dish.
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Beat together the butter and sugar for 3 mins until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating between each addition. Fold in the flour, bicarb and baking powder along with a pinch of salt. Once combined, mix in the date purée, then fold in the dark chocolate. Pour the sponge batter into the prepared dish and spread out evenly using the back of a spoon. Pour the chocolate sauce evenly over the top of the batter.
• Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins until risen, then leave to rest for 2 mins. Serve warm with a big scoop of ice cream or warm custard.

Steps:

• 1. Pre heat oven to 375oF (180oC) and well grease a large 16 cup capacity oven proof dish (I use my large casserole dish or ceramic lasagna tray).
• 2. Sift the flour and cinnamon into a bowl. Add the sugar and mix. Make a well in the centre, add in the butter and milk. Fold in the dates and nuts (if using). Spread into the prepared dish.
• 3. Pour the prepared sauce (how to following) carefully over the batter. Use the back of a wooden spoon to pour the liquid over. Bake in the pre heated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the top is set. Serve with ice-cream and/or cream.
• 4. To make the caramel sauce: In a large jug, combine the water, sugar and butter. Stir until the butter is melted.