Gingerbread Pudding Cake Recipe
This Gingerbread Pudding Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the spicy flavors of ginger and cinnamon with a moist, tender cake base. The unique pudding-like texture is created by a sweet topping of brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider that bakes beneath the cake, resulting in a delightful contrast of flavors and textures perfect for fall or holiday gatherings.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 1/3 cup water
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare 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. This dry mix forms the spice-infused cake base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth, providing moisture and flavor complexity.
- Form the Batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix for a tender crumb.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour the cake batter into an 8×11-inch (or similar shallow 2-quart) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Topping: In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon thoroughly. This will create the caramelized pudding layer under the cake.
- Sprinkle Topping: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon topping over the batter in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.
- Add Liquid: Pour the apple cider and water gently over the sugar topping without stirring to ensure the pudding layer forms during baking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbling slightly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, which helps the pudding layer thicken and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use fresh ground spices if possible.
- If molasses is not available, dark corn syrup can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Serve the pudding cake warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Ensure not to stir after adding the apple cider and water to maintain the pudding texture.
Keywords: gingerbread pudding cake, gingerbread cake, pudding cake, molasses cake, spiced cake, fall dessert, holiday dessert