Instant Pot Bourbon Sticky Toffee Pudding

I never really used to think about making desserts in my Instant Pot (find yours here: https://amzn.to/2QmSPR1), until I discovered how wonderful it is at producing rich, moist, dense flavors like those found in this Bourbon Sticky Toffee Pudding.

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In the tradition of English-style steamed puddings, this wonderful dish combines the subtle sweetness of dates with just the right touches of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s definitely sophisticated enough to serve at your next dinner party, but easy enough to make for a special weeknight meal.

The secret to this dish is the pot-in-pot cooking method that allows you to make denser, richer foods in the Instant Pot by using a separate oven-proof container suspended over water.

In this dish we’ve used 5 oz ramekins, but you can use any oven-proof custard cups or ramekins you have on hand.

Sophisticated enough to serve at your next dinner party.


Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup chopped Medjool dates (about 7 dates)
  • 6 tbsp hot water
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce, warmed

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine dates, hot water, bourbon and baking soda,. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine butter and milk. Microwave on low until butter is melted.
  3. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg to the milk mixture. Stir until uniform.
  4. Stir in beaten egg and bourbon-date mixture.
  5. Coat the insides of four ramekins with nonstick spray and divide batter evenly amongst the ramekins.
  6. Cover each ramekin with foil coated in nonstick spray (sprayed-side down).
  7. Place the steam rack in the Instant Pot followed by 1 1/2 cups water. Arrange the ramekins on the steam rack. You may have to stack three on the bottom and one on the top. Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
  8. Using the display panel select the STEAM function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 20 minutes.
  9. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
  10. Carefully remove the ramekins from the pot. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert onto a serving dish.
  11. Drizzle each pudding with caramel sauce. Serve warm.

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.