Ultimate Sticky Toffee Pudding

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4). Butter and flour the sides of a 20x20cm square cake tin and line the base with greaseproof paper.

2. Put the chopped dates and tea in a small pan and bring to the boil. Cook for a few minutes to soften the dates, then remove from the heat and set aside.

3. Beat the butter in a large bowl or use an electric food mixer until soft.

4. Add the Golden Caster Sugar and beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the mixed spice and vanilla extract. Fold in the date mixture.

5. Sift in the flour and bicarbonate of soda and fold in gently until mixed.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake in the oven for 45 mins, or until the top is just firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.

7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow to stand in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a serving plate.

8. To make the toffee sauce, melt the butter and add the Molasses Sugar and syrup, stir until all sugar is dissolved then add the double cream and vanilla extract and keep stirring until it is thick.

9. Serve a portion of the pudding with toffee sauce poured over the top and a dollop of cream.