When the air turns crisp and the scent of cinnamon and spice begins to fill the kitchen, there’s no dessert quite as comforting as a Gingerbread Pudding Cake. This old-fashioned favorite is part cake, part pudding, and entirely irresistible. Imagine the rich molasses flavor of classic gingerbread paired with a luscious caramel-like sauce that forms magically as it bakes—warm, cozy, and perfect for sharing around the table.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or a quiet night in with a mug of tea. The best part? It’s easy to make, using simple pantry staples, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Whether you serve it plain, with a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this Gingerbread Pudding Cake is sure to become your go-to treat when you crave something comforting and nostalgic.
Recipe Overview
This Gingerbread Pudding Cake combines a soft, spiced cake with a rich pudding-like sauce that forms underneath as it bakes. The magic happens when the sweet apple cider topping is poured over the batter—during baking, the layers separate into a moist cake on top and a silky pudding below. Warm, fragrant, and full of cozy holiday flavor, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any festive occasion.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- ⅓ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×11-inch baking dish (or a similar shallow pan) with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of the spices and gives your cake a balanced flavor.
Tip: For extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk applesauce, milk, oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth. The molasses gives that deep, classic gingerbread flavor, while the applesauce keeps the cake soft and moist.
4. Make the Batter
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the cake tender. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
6. Add the Liquid Magic
Carefully pour the apple cider and water over the topping mixture. Do not stir—this step creates the “pudding” effect as it bakes. The liquid sinks to the bottom and forms a thick, flavorful sauce beneath the cake.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set and springs back lightly when touched. The top will be golden, and you’ll see bubbling around the edges from the pudding sauce forming underneath.
8. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. As it cools slightly, the sauce thickens, creating that perfect spoonable texture.
Serve warm, either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Boost the Spice
If you love bold gingerbread flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or even black pepper for a gentle kick that enhances the molasses.
2. Make It Vegan
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, and with the use of applesauce and oil, no eggs are required. Simply ensure that your molasses and sugar are vegan-certified if needed.
3. Try a Flavor Twist
Swap the apple cider for orange juice for a citrusy brightness, or mix in chopped pecans or crystallized ginger for texture.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this dessert gluten-free while maintaining the same soft texture.
5. Serving Ideas
Top it with freshly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a cream cheese glaze. The creamy contrast pairs beautifully with the warm spices and gooey pudding sauce.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or bake covered at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Serving Tips:
Serve it warm straight from the oven for the best flavor. Pair it with:
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A dollop of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon
- A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
Few desserts capture the essence of cozy, homemade comfort quite like Gingerbread Pudding Cake. Its tender cake, rich molasses undertones, and warm spices come together in perfect harmony—creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and heartwarming.
Whether you bake it for a holiday gathering, a chilly winter night, or simply to fill your home with the scent of cinnamon and ginger, this pudding cake will instantly become a family favorite. Every spoonful delivers a balance of sweetness, spice, and that indulgent pudding sauce you’ll want to savor until the very last bite.
So go ahead—preheat your oven, grab your favorite baking dish, and let your kitchen fill with the aromas of the season.
FAQs
1. Can I use blackstrap molasses for this recipe?
You can, but it will result in a more intense, slightly bitter flavor. Regular unsulphured molasses is recommended for the best balance.
2. What if I don’t have apple cider?
You can use apple juice as a substitute, though cider adds a richer, more spiced flavor.
3. How can I tell when it’s done baking?
The top should be set and golden, and the edges will bubble with sauce. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
4. Can I make it in advance?
Yes! Bake it a few hours ahead, and reheat just before serving. The pudding sauce keeps it moist and delicious.
5. What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it’s perfection.
Warm, rich, and full of spice—this Gingerbread Pudding Cake combines a tender gingerbread base with a luscious apple cider sauce for the ultimate cozy dessert. Easy, comforting, and perfect for the holidays!