An American living in the UK recently tried sticky toffee pudding for the first time, but her review left Brits with one major complaint: the lack of custard.
The Quintessentially British Dessert
Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert found on nearly every pub menu across the country. The cake features a dark, moist sponge made with chopped dates, drenched in a rich, warm toffee or caramel sauce. While its exact origin is debated, it is believed to have originated in the Lake District after World War II or at the Udny Arms Hotel in Scotland.
For many Brits, this dessert is a familiar comfort food, but for visitors from abroad, it can be a novelty. This was the case for Rhi, known as kiyoshibotanicals on TikTok, an American mother currently living in Oxford.
First Taste at a Local Pub
Despite residing in the UK for several years, Rhi had never tried sticky toffee pudding. She decided to sample it at the Victoria Arms pub in Oxford, where the dessert is served with Two Drifters Rum and Raisin ice cream for £7.90.
In her video, Rhi said: "As an American living in England, I've never had a Sticky Toffee Pudding. So, I really have no idea what it's supposed to taste like. I was thinking like Christmas spice. Is that right? No. Okay, well, we'll see."
Upon tasting, the pregnant mother nodded approvingly, describing the cake as "warm and moist" and "nice." However, she noted that the dessert needed more sauce and questioned whether the rum and raisin ice cream was a standard accompaniment. She ultimately rated it a six out of ten.
Brits Weigh In
Viewers were quick to point out the absence of custard, a traditional pairing for sticky toffee pudding. One commenter said: "That's a sad looking STP. If you like that you'd like a decent one with custard."
Another added: "That sauce isn't dark enough for a start—the ice cream should just be vanilla so it doesn't overpower the pudding itself and it really isn't a good pudding to eat in summer. The next time you should try it in the autumn or winter inside an old cosy pub after you've just had a roast. You can thank me later!"
A third viewer noted: "You'll start a debate whether cream, ice cream or custard, I prefer it with custard." A fourth simply asked: "Where's the custard?!"
The debate over the perfect accompaniment—custard, cream, or ice cream—continues to divide opinion, but for many Brits, custard remains the definitive choice.
