Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350º F. Butter 12 to 16 individual-sized ramekins thoroughly (muffin tins can be substituted).

Step 2

Place the chopped dates in a small bowl, set aside. In a small pot, bring Guinness to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Pour the Guinness over the dates. Let sit for 30 minutes, until cool.

Step 3

In a stand mixer, cream butter on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and beat until fluffy, an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add 1/3 of the flour to the butter mixture, then mix in one third of the beaten eggs. Alternate until all of the flour mixture and eggs have been added.

Step 5

Add espresso, vanilla, and baking soda to the date/Guinness mixture, then add the mixture to the batter and mix until combined.

Step 6

Pour batter halfway into ramekins. Place ramekins into a large baking dish with high sides. Fill the dish with boiling water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Step 7

Cook for 15 minutes, but know that cooking times vary and it may take up to 20 minutes or more. The top should be firm, but the interior should be very moist. A knife inserted into the center of a pudding should come out with moist crumbs.

Step 8

Remove ramekins and use a fork or toothpick to poke the tops with several small holes. Spread heaping spoonfuls of the caramel sauce (see recipe below) over the top of the puddings. You may have to push it into the pudding so that it seeps into the holes. Let the puddings cool slightly.

Step 9

When ready to serve, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert the pudding onto a plate. Pour additional warmed caramel (see recipe below) over the top. Serve with a dab of ginger cream (see recipe below).

Step 10

Mix together the cream, sugar, and butter in a sauce pan. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes over low heat until reduced and thickened into a rich, viscous sauce, stirring occasionally.

Step 11

If adding the optional alcohol to the caramel, stir in Guinness and crème de cassis. Feel free to adjust quantities to taste. Cook for a minute more, then remove the sauce from the heat and set aside. Reheat the sauce before serving in the pan.

Step 12

To make the ginger cream, heat the cream and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Place in fridge until you are ready to use.

Step 13

When ready to serve, remove ginger from cream. Beat cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar to taste and beat for a minute more.