One of the best recipes of 2025 was a simple sticky toffee pudding recipe that takes just 10 minutes to make - and there's no need for an oven.
A Classic British Dessert Made Simple
Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert, a proper comfort food special for cosy winter nights. However, if you're in a bind and want to cut out all of the arduous work, there's an interesting method that can create the delectable dessert in just 10 minutes.
Ryan Miller, better known as Foodiligence on TikTok, has been recreating the top 50 recipes from the New York Times' Most Popular of 2025. In his most recent video, Ryan took a punt at the recipe that landed in 29th place: the sticky toffee pudding.
However, this isn't a traditional recipe for a sticky toffee pudding. Instead, this sticky toffee pudding can be made in just 10 minutes and without an oven.
Microwave Magic
Ryan said in the video: "The New York Times ranked this recipe number 29, and after checking six different times to be sure, it's dangerous. Microwave Sticky Toffee Pudding, better than some of the ones I had in London."
Yes, you can in fact make a sticky toffee pudding in the microwave. All you need is one bowl and 10 minutes of your time.
The recipe was coined by recipe developer Ali Slagle. Ali wrote: "You're just 10 minutes away from a bowl of soft, date-flecked cake draped in a brown sugary sauce. This speedy take on sticky toffee pudding is made for one or two people and doesn't require turning on the oven — just the microwave."
Viewer Reactions
Ryan's video has been viewed over 380,300 times already, receiving over 20,000 likes and 101 comments. The recipe appeared to split viewers, with Sophie replying: "As a Brit. No." Another shared the same sentiment, writing: "Not even remotely close to being a sticky toffee pudding." Abraham simply commented: "Looks good." Chris agreed: "Oh hell ya!!"
How to Make Microwave Sticky Toffee Pudding
So if you're looking for a cheat's way for making the classic British pudding, here's how you can recreate the NYT Cooking recipe at home.
Ingredients
- Two tbsp unsalted butter
- Three tbsp dark brown sugar
- Three tbsp heavy cream
- Salt
- Two Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup/28g all-purpose flour
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- Sour cream, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Method
- In a small bowl or mug, melt one tbsp butter in the microwave, about 30 seconds. Add two tbsp brown sugar, one tbsp heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
- Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the sugar is melted and the mixture comes together into a sauce, 30 seconds to one minute. Set aside; the sauce will thicken as it sits.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin that holds at least 12 fluid ounces/one and a half cups, combine the dates, remaining one tbsp butter, remaining two tbsp cream and the baking soda. Microwave until the butter has melted, 30 seconds to one minute. Mash the dates with a fork until broken down.
- Add the flour, remaining tablespoon brown sugar, cinnamon and pinch of salt and stir just until combined. Spread into an even layer.
- Microwave until the top is just set, 45 seconds to one minute. Dollop with sour cream, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and drizzle with the caramel sauce. Eat warm.
