Gingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe
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
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
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your pudding cake evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon, mixing well.
- Add topping to batter: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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