There is nothing more comforting than a warm dessert filled with cozy holiday spices. This Easy Gingerbread Pudding is smooth, creamy, and full of rich gingerbread flavor. It combines classic winter spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with molasses to create a dessert that tastes like a soft gingerbread cookie in pudding form.
This recipe is perfect for the holiday season, family dinners, or anytime you want a comforting dessert without baking in the oven. It’s made on the stovetop and requires only simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gingerbread pudding is:
- Rich and creamy in texture
- Packed with warm holiday spices
- Easy to prepare without an oven
- Perfect for serving chilled or slightly warm
- A great alternative to traditional gingerbread cake
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Pudding
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Crushed ginger cookies
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Milk
In a medium saucepan, add the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer gently. Do not let it boil completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ground ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Mix well so there are no lumps.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Molasses
Add the egg yolks and molasses to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. The mixture will look thick and dark, which is normal.
Step 4: Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This step prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Once the mixture has loosened, pour everything back into the saucepan.
Step 5: Cook Until Thick
Return the saucepan to medium heat.
Whisk constantly for about 8–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens like pudding and begins to gently bubble.
Let it bubble for about 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Add Butter and Vanilla
Add the butter and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 7: Strain for Smoothness
For an ultra-smooth pudding, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
Step 8: Chill
Cover the pudding with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Step 9: Serve
Stir the pudding slightly before serving.
Top with whipped cream, crushed ginger cookies, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Serving Tips
• Serve cold for a refreshing dessert, or slightly warm for a cozier feeling.
• Add caramel sauce, whipped cream, or crushed biscuit crumbs for extra indulgence.
• This pudding is perfect for glasses, dessert cups, or holiday ramekins.
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Keep covered to prevent it from drying out
- Do not freeze, as it may affect the texture
Final Thoughts
This Easy Gingerbread Pudding is a perfect blend of rich flavor and simple preparation. It brings together the warmth of winter spices with the creaminess of a traditional pudding, making it ideal for family gatherings, festive dinners, or cozy evenings at home.