There is something truly magical about the flavors of gingerbread, especially when transformed into a warm, comforting dessert. Sticky gingerbread pudding takes the beloved spiced notes of classic gingerbread and elevates them into a moist, decadent pudding that’s rich, fragrant, and perfectly balanced with sweetness. This dessert is ideal for cozy evenings, holiday celebrations, or anytime you crave something indulgent. The addition of a sticky sauce poured over the pudding ensures every bite is luscious and packed with warm spices. Let’s explore how to make this irresistible pudding from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Pudding
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1 cup self-rising flour
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup dark brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup golden syrup (or honey)
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½ cup whole milk
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2 tablespoons molasses (for that deep gingerbread flavor)
For the Sticky Sauce
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½ cup unsalted butter
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon golden syrup or molasses
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish or a square cake tin with butter and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your pudding lifts out easily without breaking apart.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda. These spices form the heart of the gingerbread flavor, giving the pudding its unmistakable warmth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and dark brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture and helps create a lighter texture, even in such a rich pudding.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Syrups
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the golden syrup and molasses. These syrups are essential for creating the pudding’s deep caramel notes and sticky texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Continue mixing gently until the batter is smooth and glossy. Take care not to overmix, as that can toughen the pudding.
Step 6: Bake the Pudding
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the pudding will have a slightly springy texture.
Step 7: Make the Sticky Sauce
While the pudding is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the cream, golden syrup, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to bubble gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat.
Step 8: Serve
Once the pudding is baked, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Cut into squares or spoon portions directly from the dish. Pour the warm sticky sauce generously over each serving. For extra indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard.
Tips for the Perfect Sticky Gingerbread Pudding
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Use fresh spices – Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg lose potency over time. Freshly ground spices will make your pudding more aromatic.
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Don’t skip the molasses – While golden syrup or honey adds sweetness, molasses is what gives gingerbread its signature depth of flavor.
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Serve warm – This pudding tastes best fresh out of the oven, with the sauce soaking into the warm sponge.
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Make ahead option – You can bake the pudding a day in advance. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave, and prepare the sauce just before serving.
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Sauce thickness – If your sauce thickens too much as it cools, add a splash of cream to loosen it before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sticky gingerbread pudding combines the best of two worlds: the festive flavors of gingerbread and the indulgence of a classic sticky toffee pudding. It’s not overly complicated to make, yet the results are luxurious enough to impress guests at a holiday dinner or family gathering. The pudding itself is tender, spongy, and infused with warm spices, while the sticky sauce provides a luscious caramel finish. Together, they create a dessert that is both comforting and celebratory.
This recipe also allows flexibility—you can bake it in one large dish or divide the batter into smaller ramekins for individual servings. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with creamy accompaniments like ice cream, custard, or clotted cream.
Final Thoughts
Sticky gingerbread pudding is the ultimate winter dessert, wrapping up all the cozy flavors of the season into one irresistible treat. With its rich, spiced sponge and buttery caramel sauce, it is guaranteed to satisfy both nostalgia for traditional gingerbread and cravings for a truly indulgent pudding. Whether you serve it at Christmas dinner, a festive party, or simply as a comforting weekend dessert, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your repertoire. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, especially when the colder months roll in.
