For many of us, a Sunday lunch would not be complete without a sticky toffee pudding to look forward to at the end of it. Served warm, this traditional British dessert consists of a sponge made from soaked dates and a hot toffee sauce, and is best served with a dollop of custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to offset the decadent flavours. So just how did this exotic sounding dish become a staple of our Sunday routine?
Origins & History of Sticky Toffee Pudding
As with so many of our favourite things, the mythic origins of the sticky toffee pudding are hotly contested. We know that they first entered the zeitgeist after World War 2, and it’s commonly accepted that they are a Cumbrian invention, not least because sugar and dates once passed freely through the port here. The man who usually gets the credit is Francis Coulson, who served the pudding to guests staying at his Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel in the Lake District, though others have also fought for the honour. Our favourite tit-bit? Coulson dubbed it the ‘icky sticky toffee pudding’. Cute.
Sticky Toffee Pudding’s Canadian Connection
And it’s not just the British who stake a claim here. In fact, our Canadian cousins might also have their part to play in the story. Apparently, Coulson’s business partner Brian Sack, was given a hand-written recipe for the pudding by a Canadian pilot he met during his time in the Royal Air Force during the war. The OG version featured maple syrup – that quintessentially Canadian sauce. Quebec’s pouding chômeur, which is very butterscotch heavy, could easily have been the inspiration.
The Rise of a Favourite British Pudding
Regardless of who came up with the idea first, a national craze for the indulgent pudding was soon born. By the 1980s, there were even DIY versions to microwave at home, though in our opinion nothing beats a home-cooked version. The sticky toffee pudding has even travelled across the globe, mostly to the Commonwealth, where it’s a big hit in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and our American friends have fallen for its charms too.
Modern Twists on a Classic English Dessert
Of course, there are numerous different sticky toffee pudding variations to try nowadays as well, with some chefs adding ginger, oranges, walnuts and even ale. Even the sponge can be made differently, with the traditional method being to steam it, though a tray bake has the same effect and negates the need for those little metal pots. At the end of the day, no matter how you serve it, you can’t beat a great sticky toffee pudding.
Where to Go for the Best Sticky Toffee Pudding in London
For the best sticky toffee pudding in London, head to your local Cubitt House pub. Ours are served warm from the oven, with moist, rich sponge complimented by a perfectly balanced toffee sauce and cold ice cream. It’s the perfect way to end the best meal of the week.
Mouth watering? Book for Sunday lunch at one of our Cubitt House pubs today to try our take on the iconic Sticky Toffee Pudding for yourself.
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