What is sticky toffee pudding?
Sticky toffee pudding is a moist sponge cake made with chopped dates, covered in a rich toffee sauce and often served with vanilla ice cream, custard or cream. It is one of England's most popular desserts.
The origin of sticky toffee pudding is debated. It was popularized in the 1970s by Francis Coulson at the Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel in the Lake District.
Some say the recipe came from Canada, where a version was made by a woman who later shared it with Coulson.
A Lake District favorite
The Cartmel Village Shop in Cumbria became famous for its sticky toffee pudding, selling it across the UK and abroad.
The pudding is usually served warm, with the toffee sauce poured over it. Dates make the sponge rich and moist.
Sticky toffee pudding appears on menus in pubs and restaurants across England and is especially popular in winter.
It is often named in polls as one of Britain's favorite desserts.
The toffee sauce is made from butter, brown sugar and cream.