We grew up cherishing the comforting taste of old fashioned date pudding. This classic dessert has a rich tenderness that brings back memories of cozy kitchens. The warm caramel-like flavor of dates is unforgettable.
We love how this pudding uses pantry staples to create something timeless. The gooey texture pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of sauce. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress guests or delight our own sweet cravings.
Tools And Equipment
- Medium saucepan for softening chopped dates in water
- Mixing bowl to combine our wet ingredients
- Whisk for blending and introducing air into the mixture
- Wooden spoon to stir the thick batter before baking
- Measuring cups and spoons for exact quantities of flour sugar and spices
- 9 by 13 inch baking dish for even heat distribution
- Cooling rack to let the pudding rest before serving
Ingredients
We gather these items to create our Old-Fashioned Date Pudding. We measure each with care to preserve its warm flavor.
Key Baking Staples
We rely on these pantry must-haves for our pudding foundation. We use all-purpose flour for structure. We add baking soda to help the pudding rise. We include granulated sugar for sweetness. We soften butter to ensure a moist texture. We sprinkle a little salt for balance.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Prep Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped Pitted Dates | 1 cup | Coarse chop is fine |
| Boiling Water | 1 cup | Heat until simmering |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon | – |
| Butter | 1/4 cup (softened) | Let stand at room temp |
| Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup | – |
| Egg | 1 large | Room temperature |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds flavor depth |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | Sift for best texture |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon | Ensures light pudding |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Optional but recommended |
Prep
Now that we have everything in place let’s begin our Old-Fashioned Date Pudding preparation. We will soak the dates to bring out their natural sweetness and preheat the oven for even baking.
Soaking The Dates
- Place chopped dates in our medium saucepan.
- Pour boiling water over the dates.
- Let them sit for 10 minutes so they become soft and plump.
- Stir gently with our wooden spoon to break up any lumps.
Tip: Do not discard any remaining liquid. It adds extra moisture and flavor to our batter.
Preheating The Oven
- Turn our oven on to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature before we bake.
- Position a rack in the middle of the oven so heat distributes evenly.
| Task | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Soaking The Dates | Boiling water | 10 minutes |
| Preheating The Oven | 350°F | 10 minutes |
Directions
We now bring all components together. We rely on our softened dates and simple steps to create Old-Fashioned Date Pudding with a moist and sweet finish.
Mixing The Batter
- Combine the soaked dates and the reserved soaking liquid with softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl
- Stir everything until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy
- Add the egg and vanilla extract Then whisk until the batter looks silky
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour with baking soda and baking powder Stir gently so we do not lose the airy texture
- Add a pinch of salt if desired for balance
Baking The Pudding
- Lightly coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray
- Transfer the batter into the dish and spread it evenly
- Tap the dish on the counter once or twice to release any air bubbles
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes Keep an eye on the pudding until the top appears golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean
- Let the pudding rest on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes This helps the rich texture set
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time | Dish Size |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | 30 minutes | 9 by 13 inch dish |
Serving Suggestions
Our Old-Fashioned Date Pudding tastes best when served warm. We prefer to reheat individual slices in the oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes. That gentle warmth highlights the caramel-like sweetness of the dates and keeps each bite soft.
For added decadence we top our slices with sweet whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We drizzle a thin layer of warm caramel sauce to deepen the pudding’s rich notes. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar also creates an appealing finish.
We often serve this pudding at gatherings where we arrange a toppings bar with:
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped toasted pecans
We like to encourage guests to build their own custom slice. That personalized touch makes the dessert feel special.
We suggest cutting the pudding into squares for easy portioning. Each square is usually about 2 by 2 inches. Here is a quick reference:
| Portion Size | Approximate Yield |
|---|---|
| 2×2 inches | 12 servings |
We sometimes add fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas on top for a bright contrast. The fruit complements the dense texture of the pudding. Make sure to keep the pudding covered if you have leftovers. It stays moist for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Conclusion
We love how this dessert evokes sweet nostalgia while continuing to amaze. Its comforting taste and cozy charm make every serving feel extra special. By sharing it at our gatherings we keep a cherished tradition alive and invite everyone to savor a moment of warmth. Give it a try and let its timeless appeal transform ordinary days into fond memories.