Sticky toffee pudding, toffee pudding, sticky pudding toffee – these keywords may be simple, but they evoke a world of rich, gooey, caramel-y goodness. And when you add Estie Matheus’s culinary touch, as seen in the first episode of Come Dine With Me South Africa Season 1, it becomes an unforgettable experience.

A Sweet Start to the Series
Estie’s Sticky Toffee Pudding was the perfect dish to kick off the series. It was a bold move, a dessert that demanded attention. It was a dish that promised indulgence, and it delivered.
The Secret to Estie’s Success
While the recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding may seem straightforward, it’s the nuances, the little touches that elevate it to a culinary masterpiece. Estie’s approach, as seen in the show, was no different.
The Toffee Sauce: The Heart of the Pudding
The foundation of any good Sticky Toffee Pudding is its sauce. Estie began by heating a cup of cream in a pot. This simple step is crucial, as it helps to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth, velvety sauce. The addition of a shot of brandy added a layer of complexity, a hint of warmth and spice.

The Cake: A Moist and Tender Base
The cake itself is a delicate balance of sweet and savory. It should be moist, tender, and full of flavor. Estie’s cake, as seen in the show, was the perfect complement to the rich toffee sauce.
The Perfect Pairing: Cream and Cake
To complete the dish, Estie served her Sticky Toffee Pudding with a dollop of cream. This classic pairing is a match made in heaven. The cream cuts through the richness of the toffee sauce, providing a refreshing contrast.

A Recipe for Success
While we don’t have the exact recipe used by Estie, we can learn from her approach. A good Sticky Toffee Pudding should be rich, indulgent, and satisfying. It should be a dessert that lingers on the palate, leaving you wanting more.

If you’re looking to recreate Estie’s decadent dessert, here are a few tips:
- Don’t skimp on the butter: Butter is the key to a moist and tender cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Don’t rush the cooking process: Patience is key when it comes to Sticky Toffee Pudding.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe.
By following these tips, you can create a Sticky Toffee Pudding that is as delicious as Estie’s.
Have you tried making Sticky Toffee Pudding? What are your tips and tricks? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Come Dine With Me South Africa Season 1 Episode 1
Estie’s Dessert

- Pitted dates (optional)
- butter
- Light or dark brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- golden syrup
- Whole milk
- Flour
- Vanilla extract
- Soak the dates: Cover the dates with boiling water and set aside to soak.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the soaked dates (drained).
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and lined baking tin and bake in a preheated oven.
- For the Toffee Sauce: Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, treacle, and vanilla extract.
- Heat and stir: Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
- To Serve: Warm the pudding: Warm the pudding slightly.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the warm toffee sauce over the pudding.