Nothing says cozy like a slice of Gingerbread Pudding Cake on a chilly day. This dessert perfectly balances the warm, aromatic spices of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a moist, pudding-like texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for holiday gatherings or simple weeknight indulgence, this cake is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Each bite is like a comforting hug, making it a dessert that will quickly become a family favorite.

Advertisements

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Advertisements

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ cup unsulfured molasses
1 cup hot water

For the Pudding Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
2 cups water

Optional Topping:

Advertisements

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a deep baking dish.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Advertisements

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg until fully incorporated, then stir in molasses.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. Stir until smooth; the batter will be slightly thin.

6. Prepare the Cake Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

7. Make the Pudding Sauce

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and 2 cups of water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.

8. Add Syrup to Cake

Slowly pour the syrup over the batter in the pan.

9. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and spoon pudding sauce over the top. Serve warm or chilled, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.

Pro Tips

Fresh Spices: Use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: Increase or decrease brown sugar depending on your taste preference.
Creative Toppings: Add caramel drizzle, crushed nuts, or ginger snaps for extra texture.
Perfect Pudding Texture: Pour syrup over the cake immediately after baking to create the signature gooey bottom layer.

Why This Recipe Works

Comforting Flavors: Warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg evoke holiday nostalgia.
Moist and Decadent: The pudding effect keeps the cake rich and tender.
Easy for Any Skill Level: Minimal steps make it approachable for novice bakers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Substitutions & Variations

Chocolate Twist: Add ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use flax egg for a vegan option.
Fruity Variation: Mix in diced apples or pears for extra sweetness and texture.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooled slices in plastic and foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

Serving Ideas

Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle.
Sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for visual appeal and aroma.
Pair with hot coffee, tea, or spiced cider for the ultimate cozy treat.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 12g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 50g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake a day ahead, refrigerate, and serve chilled or reheated.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can substitute gluten-free flour to make it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Q: Can I skip the pudding sauce?
A: While it enhances flavor, the cake is still delicious plain or with whipped cream/ice cream.

Gingerbread Pudding Cake is a heartwarming dessert that combines aromatic spices with a moist, pudding-like texture. Perfect for holidays or cozy nights at home, this recipe is simple, versatile, and absolutely irresistible. Each bite delivers nostalgia and comfort, making it a must-add to your dessert repertoire.