Gingerbread Pudding Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of this delightful Gingerbread Pudding Cake, perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.
This Gingerbread Pudding Cake brings the warmth of spices and the comfort of pudding together in one delicious dessert. It's a perfect treat for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The perfect balance of warm spices and sweet richness
- A unique dessert that combines cake and pudding in each bite
- Ideal for serving during the holiday season or any cozy gathering
A Cozy Holiday Favorite
As the holidays approach, the scent of gingerbread fills the air, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every gathering. This Gingerbread Pudding Cake captures the essence of the season with its rich, spiced flavor profile. Perfect for holiday dinners or casual get-togethers, this dessert creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages sharing and celebration.
Imagine the delight on your guests' faces as they take their first bite of this unique dessert. The combination of cake and pudding creates a delightful texture that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether served as a finale to a festive meal or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to become a cherished tradition.
The Perfect Pairing of Flavors
The flavor profile of this Gingerbread Pudding Cake is a harmonious blend of spices that awakens the senses. Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves come together to create a warm, inviting taste that is synonymous with the holiday season. The molasses adds a deep, rich sweetness, elevating the cake to a new level of deliciousness.
Served warm, the pudding sauce drizzles over the cake, soaking into each layer and enhancing the overall flavor. The combination of textures—from the moist cake to the velvety pudding—ensures that every bite is a unique experience. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spices with a cool, creamy contrast.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even a small variation can affect the final outcome of your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour and sugar. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the brown sugar.
When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stir until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and taste. Remember, the key to a great Gingerbread Pudding Cake is patience—allow it to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Pudding Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix the ingredients well to ensure a smooth batter for the cake.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, molasses, and milk until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. In a separate saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then carefully pour over the cake batter without stirring. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is set and the pudding sauce is bubbling.
Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though they may disappear quickly!), store your Gingerbread Pudding Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier on the second day. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
For a more indulgent treat, consider reheating slices in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the slices in foil, and warm for about 10 minutes. This method helps to restore the cake's moisture and brings back that freshly baked aroma, making it an irresistible dessert option.
Variations to Try
While this Gingerbread Pudding Cake is delicious as is, feel free to get creative with variations. Consider adding a splash of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note that complements the spices beautifully. You can also swap out the molasses for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
For those who enjoy a little extra decadence, try incorporating chocolate chips into the batter or topping the finished cake with a drizzle of chocolate ganache. These variations can elevate your cake and make it a standout dessert at any gathering.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Gingerbread Pudding Cake, the options are endless. For a classic touch, serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess balances the spice and adds a delightful contrast to the warm cake.
For an elegant twist, consider pairing it with a spiced caramel sauce or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. You can also garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch. No matter how you serve it, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option or maple syrup instead of molasses for a different flavor.
→ What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Gingerbread Pudding Cake
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of this delightful Gingerbread Pudding Cake, perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.
Created by: Katherine Blake
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Pudding Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, molasses, and milk until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. In a separate saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then carefully pour over the cake batter without stirring. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is set and the pudding sauce is bubbling.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g