Warm Gingerbread Pudding Cake

Warm, spiced, and rich with molasses, this Gingerbread Pudding Cake is the perfect cozy dessert for the holiday season. As it bakes, a luscious caramel-like sauce forms beneath the soft, spiced cake, creating a self-saucing treat that is both indulgent and comforting. Served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a must-have for chilly nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and comforting – The blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a cozy flavor perfect for winter.
• Self-saucing magic – The pudding sauce forms naturally as the cake bakes, making every bite rich and flavorful.
• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples for an easy, homemade dessert.
• Perfect holiday treat – A great alternative to traditional gingerbread cookies.
• Pairs beautifully – Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

For the Pudding Sauce:

• Brown sugar
• Hot water
• Unsalted butter

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well incorporated.
5. Assemble: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Make the Pudding Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, hot water, and butter. Pour this mixture gently over the batter—do not stir.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon the warm cake into bowls, making sure to scoop up the pudding sauce from the bottom. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the batter for a refreshing contrast.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Chocolate Version: Mix in chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate-gingerbread combination.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is more bitter and intense, so regular unsulfured molasses is recommended for a balanced flavor.

What can I serve with this cake?

It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes, but the pudding sauce should be added just before baking for the best results.

Why does the sauce sink to the bottom?

As the cake bakes, the sauce settles, creating the signature self-saucing effect.

Can I bake this in individual ramekins?

Yes, divide the batter and sauce evenly among ramekins and reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should be firm, and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion should come out clean.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be mixed into the batter for added texture.

What if my cake turns out too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense texture.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar is best for flavor and moisture, but coconut sugar or maple sugar can be used as alternatives.

Is this cake good for special occasions?

Absolutely! It’s a perfect holiday dessert, great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy winter gatherings.

Conclusion

This Warm Gingerbread Pudding Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert, combining the rich flavors of molasses and warm spices with a caramel-like pudding sauce. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to impress. Whether served with whipped cream, ice cream, or enjoyed on its own, this cake is a festive treat you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and savor the warm, spiced goodness!