Gingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe

Introduction

Gingerbread pudding cake is a cozy dessert that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with a moist, tender cake and a luscious pudding layer on the bottom. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and an inviting treat to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ground ginger. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined to make the batter.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into an 8×11-inch shallow baking dish or a similar-sized 2-quart dish.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon to create the topping.
7. Step 7: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon topping over the batter in the baking dish.
8. Step 8: Carefully pour the apple cider and water evenly over the topping layer without stirring.
9. Step 9: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Let the pudding cake cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the pudding layer to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist and to keep the cake moist without extra fat.
• For a deeper spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream for an extra comforting dessert.
• Substitute apple cider with pear cider for a slightly different fruity note.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave until warm. The pudding layer may thicken upon refrigeration but will soften again when warmed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the cake’s texture.

Is molasses necessary for the flavor?

Molasses provides the distinctive deep, rich sweetness and spice flavor typical of gingerbread. You can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch, but the taste will slightly differ.

Gingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

This Gingerbread Pudding Cake is a delightful, moist dessert combining warm spices like cinnamon and ginger with a rich molasses flavor. It features a soft cake base topped with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar pudding layer that is poured over with apple cider, creating a luscious, comforting treat perfect for cooler months or holiday gatherings.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping and Sauce

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your pudding cake evenly.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and ginger until well combined. Set aside this dry mixture.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
4. Make the batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
5. Prepare the baking dish: Pour the batter into an 8×11-inch shallow 2-quart baking dish or a similarly sized baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon, mixing well.
7. Add topping to batter: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish.
8. Pour liquids over topping: Carefully pour the apple cider and water mixture over the sprinkled topping without stirring. This will create a pudding sauce as it bakes.
9. Bake the cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set and springs back lightly when touched.
10. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps the pudding set further before serving. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use unsweetened applesauce to avoid adding extra sweetness.
• Make sure not to stir after pouring the apple cider mixture on top to allow the pudding layer to form properly.
• This cake is best served warm and can be accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
• Ensure your baking dish is shallow and roughly 2 quarts for the best pudding effect.

Keywords: Gingerbread pudding cake, molasses cake, spiced dessert, fall dessert, holiday dessert, moist cake