Amish Sticky Date Pudding

A rich, moist date cake soaked in a warm buttery caramel sauce — classic comfort dessert with cozy Amish-style flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pudding Cake

• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sticky Sauce

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dates

• Place chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl.
• Pour boiling water over them.
• Let sit for about 10 minutes until softened.

2. Make the Batter

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease an 8-inch baking dish.
• Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
• Add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
• Fold in the softened date mixture.

3. Bake

• Pour batter into prepared dish.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Make the Sticky Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cream, butter, and salt.
• Stir until smooth and bubbling.
• Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

5. Serve

• Pour warm sauce over the pudding cake.
• Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Medjool dates give the richest flavor.
• The sauce thickens as it cools.

Would you like a version with self-saucing pudding style or a traditional old-fashioned Amish baked version?