Apple Cider Sticky Toffee Pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, add the pitted and chopped dates. Top with hot apple cider and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, transfer the apple cider and dates to a blender and pulse until smooth.
4. Add the date mixture to a large bowl along with the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
5. Add the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and mix to combine.
6. Add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda) to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.
7. Lastly, add in the milk and fold to combine.
8. Transfer the batter to a lined 8-inch baking dish and place it in the oven to bake for 55 minutes.
9. While the pudding bakes, make the toffee sauce: Add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream to a small saucepan. Allow this to melt on medium heat and bubble for 3 minutes.
10. Remove the toffee sauce from the heat and place it in a small bowl to cool.
11. Once the pudding comes out of the oven, use a fork to poke holes in it.
12. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the warm pudding and allow it to set in.
13. Slice the pudding and serve with additional toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!