Gingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe
Introduction
Gingerbread pudding cake is a cozy, comforting dessert that combines warm spices with a moist, tender cake topped with a sweet, saucy layer. Perfect for chilly evenings, this treat offers rich molasses flavor and a delightful texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients
- 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 unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup neutral oil
- ⅓ cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- ⅓ cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 4: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into an 8×11-inch (2-quart) shallow baking dish.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Step 8: Pour the apple cider and water evenly over the top. Do not stir.
- Step 9: Bake for 40 minutes, or until the middle is set.
- Step 10: Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the pudding to thicken slightly.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid substitutes like vinegar or juice blends.
- For a richer cake, try swapping the neutral oil for melted butter.
- Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the dry spices for extra warmth.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage
Store leftover gingerbread pudding cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or enjoy chilled for a different texture. It may thicken when cold; adding a splash of milk when reheating can help restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pudding cake vegan?
Yes, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use an oil of your choice. Make sure your molasses and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What is the texture of this cake like?
The cake layer is moist and tender with a soft, pudding-like topping that forms from the apple cider and spices during baking, creating a delightful contrast.
PrintGingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe
This Gingerbread Pudding Cake is a cozy, spiced dessert perfect for chilly evenings. Featuring warm notes of ginger and cinnamon, this moist cake is topped with a sweet, bubbling molasses and apple cider glaze that creates a deliciously gooey pudding layer. Made with simple ingredients including applesauce and molasses for a naturally rich flavor, this cake offers a comforting treat with a beautiful balance of sweetness and spice.
- 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
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 unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- ⅓ cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, milk, neutral oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Form Batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the batter into an 8×11-inch shallow 2-quart baking dish or a similarly sized dish, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon topping mixture over the batter in the baking dish.
- Add Apple Cider and Water: Carefully pour the apple cider and water evenly over the topping mixture. Do not stir; this liquid will seep down during baking, forming the pudding layer beneath the cake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the center of the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the pudding topping to thicken slightly and develop its delicious texture.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to avoid adding extra sweetness and to keep the cake moist.
- Ensure you do not stir the apple cider and water into the batter after adding the topping; this is crucial for the pudding effect.
- If you prefer a stronger molasses flavor, you can experiment by substituting with blackstrap molasses, but note it will be less sweet and more robust.
- This cake is best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently if needed.
- For a richer dessert, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Keywords: Gingerbread pudding cake, molasses cake, spiced pudding cake, ginger cake recipe, comforting dessert
