Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the first hints of frost dust the windowpanes and the air fills with the scent of spices, the warmth of a cozy dessert beckons. It’s the perfect time for a Gingerbread Pudding—a holiday recipe that captures the essence of comfort with every soft, custard-like bite. This delectable treat not only offers a delightful golden-brown crust but also adapts beautifully to various dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at your festive table. Imagine gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter and joy while savoring this nostalgic dessert that conjures memories of joyful holiday gatherings. Intrigued by how to make this cozy masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is Gingerbread Pudding Perfect for Holidays? Irresistible Comfort: This gingerbread pudding envelops you in warm, spiced flavors that evoke memories of holiday gatherings. Versatile Options: Need dairy-free or gluten-free? This recipe easily adapts to fit your dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Delightfully Indulgent: The soft, custard-like texture topped with a slightly crispy crust will please guests and family alike. Memorable Celebrations: Create lasting memories with a cozy dessert that brings everyone together, making it the heart of your festive meals. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful gingerbread pudding! Gingerbread Pudding Ingredients • To create the ultimate cozy dessert, gather these delightful ingredients! For the Base Milk – Provides moisture and creamy texture; use whole milk or your favorite milk alternative. Heavy Cream – Adds richness; substitute with non-dairy cream for a lighter option. Brown Sugar – Sweetens with deep flavor; swap with coconut sugar for a healthier touch. Molasses – Delivers the traditional gingerbread flavor; blackstrap molasses offers a less sweet profile. Bread Cubes – Acts as the pudding’s structure; stale bread absorbs the flavors better, and gluten-free bread also works! Eggs – Binds the ingredients while creating that custard-like consistency; flaxseed meal or egg replacers can substitute for vegans. For the Spice Blend Ground Ginger – Infuses the pudding with warm flavor; fresh ginger can give it a spicier kick! Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth; consider mixing in apple pie spice for a fun twist. Ground Nutmeg – An optional ingredient that enhances the complexity of the flavors. Ground Cloves – Offers deep spice; allspice can serve as a suitable substitute. Vanilla Extract – Essential for depth of flavor; imitation vanilla can be used if needed. Feel free to adjust this gingerbread pudding recipe to fit your tastes, making it the perfect dessert for your holiday gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gingerbread Pudding Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Gingerbread Pudding bakes evenly, creating a delightful golden-brown crust. While the oven heats, gather your baking dish and prepare it by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, and molasses until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step takes about 3-5 minutes of vigorous mixing, and you should see the ingredients fully blend into a creamy texture. The rich aroma at this stage is an exciting preview of the flavors to come! Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes Add the stale bread cubes to the creamy mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the bread to soak for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even absorption. You want the bread to become soft and flavorful, absorbing the warm notes of molasses and spices, which form the base of the Gingerbread Pudding. Step 4: Beat the Eggs In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are frothy, about 2-3 minutes of whisking. This introduces air into the eggs, giving your final pudding a light texture. Once frothy, mix in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract to create a fragrant, spiced blend that will elevate your pudding’s flavor profile. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Carefully fold the egg mixture into the soaked bread mixture with a spatula, ensuring not to deflate the airiness you’ve created. This step requires gentle movements—scoop and turn the mixture until just combined. The goal is to maintain some air, which will contribute to the pudding’s light and custard-like texture. Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with the spatula. This ensures even cooking and allows the edges to crisp beautifully while the center stays soft. It’s essential to smooth out the top, setting the stage for a perfectly baked Gingerbread Pudding. Step 7: Bake the Pudding Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know your Gingerbread Pudding is ready when the edges are puffed, the top is golden-brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the pudding. Step 8: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the Gingerbread Pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the pudding set up for easier serving. Serve warm, either plain or topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, to enhance the cozy holiday experience. Make Ahead Options These Gingerbread Pudding are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the pudding mixture up to 24 hours in advance by soaking the bread cubes in the wet ingredients and mixing in the beaten eggs with spices. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and pop it in the oven. Watch it bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set. This make-ahead option allows you to enjoy a cozy, homemade dessert with minimal effort when the festivities begin! Storage Tips for Gingerbread Pudding Room Temperature: To enjoy Gingerbread Pudding at its best, let it cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating. Fridge: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to restore its warmth and creamy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Gingerbread Pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen pudding, transfer it to the fridge overnight to defrost, then reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Expert Tips for Gingerbread Pudding Stale Bread Matters: Use stale bread rather than fresh to achieve optimal absorption; fresh bread can result in a soggy pudding. Soaking Time: Don’t skip the 15-minute soak for the bread cubes; this is crucial for a custard-like texture. Bake with Care: Watch the baking time carefully; underbaking can create a soggy center while overbaking leads to a dry result. Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with spices or add-ins like chocolate chips or fruit to make your gingerbread pudding uniquely yours. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to two months to preserve its comforting flavor. What to Serve with Gingerbread Pudding Indulging in a warm, spiced dessert creates a cozy atmosphere that invites delightful pairings to complete your meal. Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich flavors of the pudding. Vanilla Ice Cream: The melty texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm pudding, enhancing its cozy essence beautifully. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce elevates the dessert, introducing a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with gingerbread spices. Fresh Berries: Tart berries like raspberries or strawberries add freshness, balancing the spiced warmth of the pudding for a refreshing bite. Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage provides a comforting contrast; coffee enhances the spices, while hot chocolate rounds out the sweetness. Spiced Tea: Fragrant spiced tea offers warmth that harmonizes perfectly with the ginger and cinnamon in your pudding. Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, adding a textural element to your soft, custard-like dessert. Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, coconut whipped cream adds a tropical twist that enhances the pudding’s cozy flavor profile. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A simple sprinkle of cinnamon sugar creates a warm, aromatic finish that complements the pudding’s spices beautifully. Gingerbread Pudding Variations & Substitutions Feel free to customize your Gingerbread Pudding to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences; the possibilities are delightful! Dairy-Free: Swap out dairy for almond milk and coconut cream to create a rich, creamy alternative. Gluten-Free: Replace traditional bread with gluten-free bread cubes for a version that suits your dietary needs perfectly. Chocolate Lovers: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking for an indulgent twist that takes the pudding to the next level. Spicy Surprise: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or chili powder in the spice blend, offering a subtle kick that beautifully complements the sweet spices. Nutty Delight: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pudding. Fruity Addition: Fold in diced apples or pears before baking for extra fruitiness and moisture, making each bite a lovely surprise. Coconut Twist: Stir in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair, delivering both texture and a unique flavor profile. Imagine how these variations could elevate your gatherings, making your cozy holiday evenings even more special. For more ideas on cozy desserts, check out our guide on holiday desserts that will warm your heart and home! Gingerbread Pudding Recipe FAQs What type of bread is best to use for Gingerbread Pudding? Stale bread is your best friend for this recipe as it absorbs moisture more effectively, creating that delightful custard-like texture. Fresh bread can lead to sogginess, so aim for bread that’s a day or two old. If you prefer a gluten-free version, gluten-free bread works perfectly as well! How should I store leftover Gingerbread Pudding? To keep your Gingerbread Pudding fresh, let it cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Can I freeze Gingerbread Pudding? Absolutely! To freeze your Gingerbread Pudding, slice it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. What do I do if my Gingerbread Pudding is too dry? If you find your pudding turns out dry, it might be due to overbaking or using too much stale bread. To fix it, try adding a scoop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm custard sauce when serving, which can help to moisten each bite. Always make sure to check the baking time to achieve that perfect consistency. Can I make Gingerbread Pudding dairy-free? Very much so! To create a dairy-free version, simply substitute all dairy ingredients with suitable alternatives. Use almond or oat milk in place of milk, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This way, you maintain that rich texture and flavor while catering to dietary needs. Are there any allergens I should be aware of when making this dessert? This Gingerbread Pudding contains eggs and dairy, which are common allergens. If you’re serving guests with allergies, consider using flaxseed meal or egg replacers for a vegan option, and opt for dairy alternatives to ensure everyone can enjoy this cozy dessert without worry! Cozy Gingerbread Pudding to Warm Your Holiday Nights This Gingerbread Pudding is a cozy dessert that captures the essence of comfort, perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 cups Milk Whole milk or milk alternative1 cup Heavy Cream Non-dairy cream can be used1 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be a healthier alternative1/2 cup Molasses Blackstrap molasses offers a less sweet profile4 cups Bread Cubes Stale or gluten-free bread works best3 large Eggs Flaxseed meal can substitute for vegansFor the Spice Blend2 teaspoons Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can add more spice1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Apple pie spice can be mixed in1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Optional for flavor complexity1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves Allspice can be used as a substitute1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Imitation vanilla can be used Equipment Mixing bowlBaking dishWhiskSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add the stale bread cubes to the mixture, submerging them and letting them soak for 15 minutes. Beat the eggs until frothy, then mix in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract. Fold the egg mixture into the soaked bread mixture until just combined. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are puffed and a knife inserted comes out clean. Allow the pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving warm with toppings. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1mg NotesUse stale bread for better absorption; customize flavors with spices or add-ins. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!