Few desserts strike the perfect balance between sweet, chewy, and indulgent quite like Sticky Toffee Blondies. Inspired by the iconic Sticky Toffee Pudding, these blondies bring together deep caramelized flavors, a buttery chew, and a drizzle of silky toffee sauce, making them the ultimate comfort dessert.
Perfect for cozy nights in, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings, this recipe takes a classic blondie and elevates it with warm brown sugar, dates, and a luscious toffee topping. If you love desserts that are rich but not overly sweet, soft but slightly gooey, and simple yet impressive, this is the treat for you.
In this article, we’ll explore the history behind sticky toffee desserts, what makes these blondies special, creative variations, expert baking tips, FAQs, and why you should add this recipe to your dessert repertoire.
The Story Behind Sticky Toffee Desserts
The origins of Sticky Toffee Pudding, the inspiration for these blondies, are rooted in British cuisine. This classic dessert—a moist sponge cake soaked in rich toffee sauce—is believed to have been introduced in the mid-20th century in England’s Lake District. Some say it was first served at the Sharrow Bay Hotel, while others claim it originated in Scotland. Either way, it quickly became a national favorite thanks to its irresistible caramel flavor and comforting texture.
Over the years, Sticky Toffee Pudding has inspired a variety of desserts, from cupcakes to cheesecakes. Sticky Toffee Blondies take those same flavors and transform them into a handheld dessert that’s chewier than cake but just as indulgent. By incorporating brown sugar, butter, and finely chopped dates, these blondies achieve that signature deep caramel taste with a buttery, dense crumb.
Ingredients:
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Toffee Sauce:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Topping:
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it.
- Soften the Dates: Finely chop the dates. In a saucepan, cook them with brown sugar and butter for 5-8 minutes until soft and caramel-like. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the Batter: Stir in egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in flour and salt.
- Bake the Blondies: Pour batter into the pan and smooth it out. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is slightly firm. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan, cook heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter over medium heat for 5 minutes until thick and caramelized.
- Assemble & Serve: Drizzle toffee sauce over cooled blondies. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for added flavor. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Nutritional Info (Per Blondie):
- Calories: ~230
- Total Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Cholesterol: ~35mg
- Sodium: ~95mg
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Sugars: ~20g
- Protein: ~2g
Why You’ll Love Sticky Toffee Blondies
This dessert is a modern take on a timeless classic, and here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:
1. A Deep, Caramel-Like Flavor
The combination of brown sugar, butter, and dates naturally develops a rich toffee flavor, eliminating the need for artificial caramel extracts.
2. A Chewy, Moist Texture
Unlike traditional brownies, these blondies have a dense, chewy texture that perfectly holds up to the warm toffee sauce.
3. A Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the toffee flavors, preventing the dessert from becoming overwhelmingly sweet.
4. Simple Yet Elegant
These blondies require minimal ingredients and effort but look and taste like something from a high-end bakery.
5. Versatile for Any Occasion
Serve them warm for a comforting treat, chilled for a firmer texture, or topped with ice cream for a gourmet experience.
Creative Ways to Customize Sticky Toffee Blondies
While the classic version is already incredible, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and make it your own.
1. Add Nuts for a Crunchy Contrast
For an extra layer of texture, mix in:
✔ Toasted pecans – A buttery, nutty addition.
✔ Walnuts – A classic pairing with caramel flavors.
✔ Almonds – Adds a subtle crunch without overpowering the toffee.
2. Experiment with Spices
Enhance the warmth of the toffee flavors with:
✔ Cinnamon & Nutmeg – A cozy autumnal twist.
✔ Cardamom – A slightly citrusy spice that pairs beautifully with caramel.
✔ Pumpkin Spice – A seasonal touch for fall baking.
3. Use Different Sweeteners
✔ Maple Syrup – Adds a smoky-sweet undertone.
✔ Dark Brown Sugar – Intensifies the deep caramel notes.
✔ Molasses – Gives a more robust, treacle-like depth.
4. Make It Boozy
✔ A splash of bourbon or rum in the toffee sauce gives a rich, complex finish.
✔ Baileys Irish Cream drizzle adds a creamy, slightly chocolatey contrast.
5. Serve It in Different Ways
✔ As a Sundae – Warm blondie squares topped with vanilla ice cream and extra toffee sauce.
✔ With Coffee or Tea – A perfect afternoon indulgence.
✔ Layered in a Trifle – Crumbled blondies, whipped cream, and caramel sauce in a layered dessert.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Sticky Toffee Blondies
To get the best texture, flavor, and consistency, follow these expert baking tips:
1. Use Medjool Dates for Authentic Flavor
Medjool dates are soft and naturally caramel-like, making them ideal for this recipe. If using regular dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing leads to dense, tough blondies. Stir the ingredients just until combined for the best texture.
3. Line Your Baking Pan with Parchment Paper
This ensures easy removal and clean slices, preventing the blondies from sticking.
4. Cool Completely Before Adding Toffee Sauce
If the blondies are too warm, the sauce will absorb too quickly, rather than sitting beautifully on top.
5. Store & Reheat for Maximum Enjoyment
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Refrigeration: Keeps them fresh for up to a week—just warm before serving.
✔ Freezing: Wrap in plastic and foil, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Toffee Blondies
1. Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! Bake the blondies up to two days ahead and store them without the toffee sauce. Add the sauce before serving.
2. Can I Freeze Them?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh toffee sauce before serving.
3. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Them?
✔ Microwave: 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
✔ Oven: 300°F for 5 minutes to slightly crisp the edges.
4. Can I Make Them Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they’ll turn out just as delicious.
5. Do I Have to Use Medjool Dates?
While Medjool dates provide the best natural caramel flavor, regular dates can work if soaked and softened.
6. Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9” x 13” pan, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion: Why Sticky Toffee Blondies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
Sticky Toffee Blondies bring together the best of both worlds—the rich, deep flavors of Sticky Toffee Pudding and the dense, chewy texture of blondies. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, treating yourself, or experimenting with new flavors, this recipe delivers luxurious caramel notes, buttery softness, and a drizzle of indulgent toffee sauce.
With simple ingredients, an easy process, and endless customization options, these blondies are perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
So next time you’re craving something warm, buttery, and slightly sticky, skip the bakery and make these blondies from scratch. One bite, and you’ll understand why this dessert is irresistible.
Print
Quick Sticky Toffee Blondies: A Cozy, No-Fuss Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 blondies (depending on how you slice them) 1x
Description
If you’re a fan of indulgent, sweet treats, you’re going to love these Sticky Toffee Blondies! These chewy, buttery blondies are loaded with caramel-like flavors from Medjool dates and dark brown sugar, then topped with a luscious toffee sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Each bite is rich, sticky, and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Blondies:
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
- 1 cup (180 g) Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
- 1 cup (215 g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Toffee Sauce:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional Topping:
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
- Line an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting. Grease the parchment with cooking spray.
Step 2: Soften the Dates
- Pit and finely chop the Medjool dates.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped dates, dark brown sugar, and butter. Stir frequently until the dates soften and the mixture becomes smooth and combined, about 5–8 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and let it cool to room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Blondie Batter
- Once the date mixture has cooled, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the flour and kosher salt, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Blondies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center feels slightly firm to the touch.
- Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before adding the toffee sauce.
Step 5: Make the Toffee Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, dark brown sugar, and butter.
- Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and reaches a loose caramel consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble the Blondies
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cooled blondies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board.
- Drizzle the toffee sauce generously over the blondies.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a burst of flavor.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Cut the blondies into squares and serve them as they are, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Dates: Medjool dates work best for their soft texture and rich flavor. If using another type of date, soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften before chopping.
- Consistency: For a gooier blondie, bake for the lower end of the time range. For a firmer blondie, bake closer to 30 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Toffee Sauce: Make the toffee sauce fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
