Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding – A Rich and Flavorful Festive Treat

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Imagine walking into your home on a cold winter evening. The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses fills the air, immediately making you feel cozy and comforted. As you walk into the kitchen, you see a freshly baked Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding sitting on the countertop, waiting to be enjoyed. This dessert isn’t just about the flavors, but the memories it brings—of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and winter celebrations.

When it comes to holiday baking, there’s nothing quite like a warm, sticky, spiced pudding to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, preparing for a festive gathering, or simply craving something rich and comforting, Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is the perfect dessert. It’s not just a treat; it’s a moment of warmth, nostalgia, and joy.

What is Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding?

Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is a dessert with deep-rooted traditions, especially within British and holiday cuisine. This dish brings together the sweet, spiced flavor of gingerbread with the soft, fluffy texture of a sponge pudding. The result? A decadent, aromatic dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious.

Unlike other puddings, which may be dense and heavy, Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding strikes the perfect balance of lightness with rich flavor. What sets it apart from a traditional sponge cake or a simple gingerbread is the sticky syrup that coats the pudding once it’s baked, making each bite a perfect blend of moist, flavorful, and spiced comfort.

This dessert is a popular choice during the holidays, but it can be enjoyed year-round as well. Imagine serving it after a hearty winter meal, with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses still lingering in the air.

Ingredients for Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding

Creating the perfect Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is about using the right ingredients. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s the warm spices that transport you to the holiday season or the rich molasses that adds depth to the pudding’s flavor.

What You Need for a Perfect Sticky Gingerbread Pudding

Here’s a simple list of the ingredients that come together to create this irresistible treat:

You can also add a few optional ingredients, like a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth or a handful of chopped nuts to add texture.

How to Make Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding

Now that you know what goes into this delicious dessert, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating your Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding. The recipe is simple, and the result is nothing short of amazing. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert baker—this recipe is beginner-friendly!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start mixing, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready and measured out. This makes the process smoother and ensures that your pudding turns out perfect.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or pudding bowl with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Measure out the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, eggs, molasses, brown sugar, and milk.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is combined. The batter will be thick and smooth.
2. Make sure to avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to a denser pudding.

Step 3: Pour the Batter into the Dish

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the greased baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. You want to ensure that the batter is spread evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sticky syrup settle and make it easier to cut into portions.

Tips for the Best Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding

To ensure your Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Consistency: The batter should be smooth and thick. If it’s too runny, your pudding may not hold together well.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the pudding in the oven. Overbaking can cause it to dry out, which will affect the texture.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, try adding a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or a small handful of chopped candied ginger to the batter.
• Serving Tip: Serve the pudding with vanilla custard, cream, or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.

Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding Variations

While the classic Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is perfect as is, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Vegan Version

• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk.
• Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).

Gluten-Free Version

• Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Spicy Gingerbread Pudding

For those who love a spicy kick, consider adding extra cinnamon, ginger, and even some allspice. The more spices you add, the stronger the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding

Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with many dishes and drinks. Here are a few suggestions for serving:

• Vanilla Custard: A warm, smooth custard pairs perfectly with the richness of the pudding.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a lighter texture contrast.
• Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or roasted nuts for a balanced and festive dessert spread.

Nutrition Information

While Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is undeniably a decadent dessert, it’s still a comforting choice when you want to treat yourself. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (this can vary based on exact ingredients used):

This dessert is best enjoyed as an occasional treat, especially during the holidays or when you’re in need of some cozy comfort.

FAQs About Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding

1. Can I make Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pudding ahead of time. Simply bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

2. Can I use honey instead of molasses in this recipe?

While molasses gives this pudding its signature flavor, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the pudding will be less rich and slightly lighter in taste.

3. How do I store Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding?

Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a low oven for best results.

4. Can I make Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flax egg or another egg substitute like applesauce.

Conclusion

Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition, a moment of warmth, and a true holiday favorite. With its rich, spiced flavor

Try out this Gingerbread Sponge Pudding and let your creativity shine! We’d love to see your sweet creations. Tag us on Instagram at @SweetEatsRecipes and use the hashtag #GingerbreadSpongePudding to get featured.

Print Recipe

Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding

This Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is rich, warm, and perfectly spiced—making it the ultimate festive dessert. With a moist sponge texture and a sticky, sweet finish, it’s an irresistible comfort treat for the holidays or any cozy night in.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Resting Time10 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: British

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Notes

• You can substitute golden syrup for molasses if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Add crystallized ginger bits or raisins for texture.
• Best served warm straight from the oven or reheated with extra sauce.

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl
• 1 Whisk or Electric Mixer
• 1 Saucepan
• 1 Baking Dish (8×8 inch or similar)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

Pudding Batter

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses or golden syrup
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Sticky Sauce (Optional for topping)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the molasses and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. While the pudding bakes, make the sticky sauce by combining butter, brown sugar, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and slightly thickened.
8. Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving warm, drizzled with sticky sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.