Christmas sticky toffee pudding

Toffee sauce is spooned into the bottom of a basin and the sponge is full of juicy fruit in this steamed pudding that's halfway between a classic Christmas pud and sticky toffee one. It's a great way to mix up tradition.

Serves 12

Prep 20 mins plus cooling

Cook 2 hrs 35 mins

VEGETARIAN

250g dates, pitted and finely chopped

100g raisins

200ml golden or spiced rum

150g butter, softened, plus extra for the basin

50g light muscovado sugar

3 large eggs, beaten

375g self-raising flour

1/2 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

50ml milk vanilla custard or ice cream, to serve

FOR THE TOFFEE SAUCE

75g light muscovado sugar