Gingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting desserts with a delightful spiced kick, then you’re in for a treat with this Gingerbread Pudding Cake. This luscious dessert delivers the ultimate experience of moist gingerbread cake coupled with a luscious pudding layer that forms magically during baking. Each spoonful is bursting with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, balanced perfectly with the rich sweetness of molasses and brown sugar. The Gingerbread Pudding Cake feels like a warm hug in dessert form, ideal for cold-weather gatherings or anytime you want a special homemade sweet fix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Gingerbread Pudding Cake recipe plays a pivotal role in creating its tender crumb, rich flavor, and that signature pudding layer. From pantry staples to a touch of spice, these simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a truly unforgettable dessert.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of our cake, providing structure and softness; gluten-free flour blends work well too.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and lends a tender texture to the crumb.
• Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): The star spice giving the cake its signature warm, sharp bite.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds sweet, woody warmth that complements the ginger beautifully.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers subtle depth and complexity to the spice mix.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way, adding intensity and aroma.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Milk (1/2 cup, room temperature): Moisturizes the cake and helps meld flavors.
• Molasses (1/2 cup): The rich, dark syrup offering deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons for cake, 3 tablespoons for pudding): Adds richness and a perfect buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Essential in the pudding layer for sweetness and caramel notes.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the pudding layer so it sets beautifully after baking.
• Hot water (3/4 cup): Activates the cornstarch and dissolves sugars, creating the pudding sauce.

How to Make Gingerbread Pudding Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, generously butter an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan. This step prevents sticking and ensures a lovely golden crust on your cake edges. If you want individual servings, ramekins also work beautifully placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and kosher salt. This spice blend sets the foundation for that unmistakable gingerbread flavor, while the baking soda ensures your cake will rise perfectly without being dense.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, mix together the molasses, milk, and egg. The molasses lends its deep sweetness, while the egg helps bind everything together for a soft and tender crumb.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Mix Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air into the batter, making the cake lighter. Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and wet molasses mixture, beating on low speed just until everything blends seamlessly. Remember to scrape the bowl’s sides to keep the batter uniform in texture.

Step 5: Pour Batter Into Pan

Transfer the smooth batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. If using ramekins, carefully portion about a heaping 1/4 cup of batter into each one. It’s best to save some room for the magical pudding layer that goes on top next.

Step 6: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

Combine the light brown sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Warm the water and 3 tablespoons of butter together just until the butter melts, then gradually stir this liquid into the sugar mixture. This creates the luscious pudding sauce that will settle underneath the cake as it bakes.

Step 7: Layer the Pudding Sauce Over the Batter

Slowly pour the pudding mixture over the cake batter in the pan. If you’re working with ramekins, gently scoop a scant 1/4 cup of pudding mixture on top of each one. This layering is the secret to forming the delightful pudding base beneath your spiced cake.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your Gingerbread Pudding Cake for 38 to 42 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the top cake layer comes out clean. Take care not to poke all the way through to the bottom, as the pudding layer will still be moist and sweet. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cake rest for a few minutes—it’s best served warm to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Gingerbread Pudding Cake

Garnishes

I love enhancing this Gingerbread Pudding Cake with simple, thoughtful garnishes: a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Toasted chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, also add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, pillowy cake and pudding.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot spiced tea. If you prefer something fruit-based, tart orange segments or cranberry compote complement the warm spices perfectly, adding freshness and brightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions of Gingerbread Pudding Cake in pretty ramekins or mason jars, topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for a rustic, cozy vibe. Or layer the cake with chilled whipped cream and cranberries in a trifle dish for a festive centerpiece. No matter how you present it, this dessert always feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Gingerbread Pudding Cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, and the pudding layer remains delightfully moist. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Freezing may slightly alter the pudding texture, but gently reheating will restore much of that fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

Reheat slices of Gingerbread Pudding Cake gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Warm servings really bring back that comforting pudding effect and make the spices sing.

FAQs

Can I make this Gingerbread Pudding Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously moist and flavorful.

What if I don’t have molasses?

Molasses is key to the deep, traditional gingerbread flavor, but if you’re out, you can try using dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and brown sugar as a substitute, although the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Can I prepare this recipe in individual servings?

Yes, using ramekins is a great way to turn this into single portions. Just keep baking time about the same and place ramekins on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling and clean-up.

Is the pudding layer on the top or bottom?

The pudding layer forms underneath the cake during baking. When you slice into this Gingerbread Pudding Cake, you’ll see a moist, fudgy pudding base beneath a tender, spiced cake layer on top—an irresistible combination.

How spicy is this cake?

This cake has a warm, moderate spice level from ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s cozy without being overpowering, making it perfect for all palettes, including kids and those sensitive to strong spices.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to resist the charm of this Gingerbread Pudding Cake. With its tender, spiced cake melting into a rich pudding base, every bite captures an extraordinary balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family dinner, or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love bite after bite!

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