Healthy Sticky Date Pudding

A wholesome twist on a classic dessert, this healthy sticky date pudding is naturally sweetened & packed with nourishing ingredients. Made with Medjool dates, almond meal & your choice of healthy fats, it’s soft, comforting & rich in fibre. Topped with a luscious almond butter toffee sauce, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy warm with a dollop of coconut or Greek yoghurt. Dessert that loves you back!Recipe & Photography by Cecile Vadas @cecilevadas

serves: 6-8 | time: 45 mins 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (180g) Medjool dates, pitted & chopped
• ¾ cup boiling water
• ½ tsp bicarb soda
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup olive oil or melted coconut oil or melted butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup almond meal
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Toffee Sauce:

• ¼ cup almond butter (adds creaminess + healthy fats)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cream
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: splash of vanilla

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (fan-forced) & grease or line a small baking dish.
2. Soak the dates in boiling water with the bicarb soda for 10 minutes to soften.
3. Blend the soaked dates (with water), eggs, almond meal, oil, maple syrup & vanilla until smooth.
4. Add the baking powder, cinnamon & salt.
5. Combine wet & dry ingredients, then pour into the prepared dish.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until just set & a skewer comes out clean.

For the sauce:
Warm all ingredients together in a small saucepan over low heat until glossy & smooth. Thin with extra milk if needed.

To Serve:
Pour warm sauce over the pudding, add a dollop of coconut yoghurt or Greek yoghurt & finish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or sea salt flakes.