Few desserts evoke the cozy warmth of the holiday season quite like gingerbread, and when you combine it with a rich, luscious pudding cake, you get something truly unforgettable: Gingerbread Pudding Cake. Imagine the sweet, deep flavors of molasses, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and the subtle richness of dates melding together in a moist, tender cake. Top it with a decadent toffee sauce, and you have a dessert that not only tastes divine but also fills your home with the scent of comfort and celebration.
This dessert is perfect for festive gatherings, family dinners, or a special treat on a chilly evening. Its flavors are reminiscent of traditional gingerbread cookies but with the added indulgence of a pudding cake, giving it a soft, almost custardy texture that soaks up every bit of the sweet sauce. Whether you’re baking for holidays or simply craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug, this cake is a showstopper.
Recipe Overview
Gingerbread Pudding Cake is a moist, spiced cake infused with dates and molasses, baked to perfection, and topped with a rich toffee sauce. The cake soaks up the sauce beautifully, creating a dessert that is both soft and decadently sweet. It’s an ideal dish for festive occasions or any time you want to treat yourself to a warm, comforting dessert.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this luscious dessert, along with tips to ensure every bite is perfect.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 8 tbsp butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with white vinegar)
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dates
Preheat your oven and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan. In a small saucepan, cook the chopped dates with water until they form a soft paste, mashing as you go. Set aside to cool slightly. This date paste adds natural sweetness and a moist texture to the cake.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, molasses, yogurt, date paste, and buttermilk until fully incorporated.
Tip: Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly, creating a smoother batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until smooth. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so stir just until combined.
4. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times vary, but expect about 35-45 minutes depending on your oven. Let the cake cool slightly before adding the sauce.
5. Prepare the Toffee Sauce
While the cake bakes, heat heavy cream, vanilla extract, molasses, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue until the mixture turns a light golden color and becomes thick and glossy. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Tip: Be careful not to overheat; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
6. Soak the Cake
Poke small holes all over the warm cake using a skewer or fork. Pour most of the toffee sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in deeply. Slice the cake and drizzle with the remaining sauce for a beautiful presentation.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Spice It Up or Down
Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Increase cinnamon and ginger for a bolder flavor, or reduce cloves if you prefer a milder taste.
2. Yogurt & Buttermilk Substitutions
You can substitute yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free alternative. If you don’t have buttermilk, combine milk with white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Make It Nutty
Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for a pleasant crunch. Toasted nuts also enhance the depth of flavor.
4. Dairy-Free Version
Swap butter for vegan margarine, yogurt for plant-based yogurt, and heavy cream for coconut or oat cream.
5. Serve Warm or Cold
This cake is best served warm, straight from the oven, to enjoy the full effect of the sauce soaking through. It can also be chilled and served cold for a slightly firmer texture.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a classic holiday treat.
- Pair with hot coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Gingerbread Pudding Cake is the perfect balance of rich flavors, soft texture, and indulgent sauce. Its spiced aroma and decadent toffee topping make it a showstopper at holiday gatherings or a comforting treat on a chilly evening. Easy to make, versatile, and irresistibly delicious, this dessert will surely become a favorite in your repertoire. With every bite, you’ll experience the warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia of a classic gingerbread flavor reimagined in a moist pudding cake.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cake and sauce separately, then assemble before serving.
2. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based yogurt, margarine, and non-dairy cream alternatives.
3. Can I use other dried fruits?
Absolutely. Chopped figs, raisins, or prunes can be used in place of dates.
4. How long does the cake stay moist?
If stored in an airtight container, the cake stays moist for up to 4 days in the fridge.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan and increase baking time slightly.
Gingerbread Pudding Cake is a spiced, moist cake with dates and molasses, topped with a rich toffee sauce. Perfect for holidays or cozy dessert nights!
