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Gingerbread Pudding Cake
CakeMedium

Gingerbread Pudding Cake

From the Blog Author

This Gingerbread Pudding Cake is one of my favorites because it turns a simple sheet cake into something oddly decadent and comforting—think soft, parchment‑like sponge soaked in warm molasses and a hint of ginger. I bake it on a Saturday morning when the house smells like cinnamon and nostalgia. What I love most is how the flour, brown sugar, a splash of milk, and a generous pinch of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg come together with a drizzle of molasses and melted butter. The batter spreads like a silky pancake but rises into a lightly airy cake that dissolves in your mouth. It’s easy enough for a beginner, yet the flavors make it feel like a special holiday treat. The contrast of a buttery crust and a moist, almost pudding‑like middle makes every bite a pleasant surprise. A little tip: let the batter sit for about 10 minutes before baking so the flour can hydrate. That simple step gives the cake a noticeably lighter, more tender crumb and helps the ginger and spice blend better. If you try this, I’d love to hear what you think—just drop me an email and share your experience. Happy baking!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water

Directions

1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg; set aside.

3

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined; do not overmix.

5

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

6

Sprinkle the brown sugar for the pudding layer evenly over the top of the batter.

7

Carefully pour the boiling water over the brown sugar; do not stir.

8

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top of the cake is set and springs back when touched.

9

Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Gingerbread Pudding Cake to keep it fresh?

This Gingerbread Pudding Cake is best stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, as refrigeration can sometimes dry out the pudding texture. If you anticipate storing it longer, wrap individual slices securely and freeze for up to one month; thaw overnight before serving.

Can I substitute the molasses in this Gingerbread Pudding Cake recipe?

While molasses is key to the classic flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dark corn syrup mixed with a teaspoon of extra ground ginger for a similar depth. However, for the best authentic taste, we highly recommend sticking to the specified molasses.

What is the best way to check if my Gingerbread Pudding Cake is fully cooked after 40 minutes?

Since this is a pudding cake, the center will remain moist, but you can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the edge of the 8x8-inch dish; it should come out mostly clean. If the center is still very wet after 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C), bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.