Easy Gingerbread Pudding Recipe
This Easy Gingerbread Pudding is a rich, creamy dessert that perfectly captures the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with a smooth molasses-infused base. Made from simple pantry ingredients and finished with a luscious eggnog whipped cream and optional crushed gingersnap topping, it’s an ideal holiday treat that’s both comforting and elegant.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Gingerbread Pudding:
- 2 and ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 and 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, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Eggnog Whipped Cream:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons eggnog, chilled
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Optional Topping:
- Crushed gingersnap cookies
- Heat Milk and Cream: Add the whole milk and heavy whipping cream to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, creating the base for your pudding.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt, evenly distributing the warm spices through the pudding.
- Mix Egg Yolks and Molasses: Add the egg yolks and unsulphured molasses to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and forming a thick paste that will add depth to your pudding flavor.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about one-third of the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg and molasses mixture while whisking constantly to gradually raise the temperature and prevent curdling.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream mixture, preparing to thicken the pudding on the stove.
- Cook the Pudding: Heat the combined mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and begins to boil, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Continue boiling gently for an additional 30 seconds to activate the cornstarch fully.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the unsalted butter cubes one at a time until fully melted and integrated, then stir in the pure vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
- Strain the Pudding: Pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure an ultra-smooth texture, free of any lumps or stray spices.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the pudding surface to prevent a skin from forming, or portion into individual serving cups and cover each with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
- Prepare Eggnog Whipped Cream: Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip the heavy cream with the eggnog and powdered sugar until soft peaks form, enhancing the pudding with a festive whipped topping.
- Serve: Stir the chilled pudding gently to loosen, then serve topped with a dollop of eggnog whipped cream and sprinkle with optional crushed gingersnap cookies for added texture and spice. Enjoy this cozy seasonal dessert!
Notes
- Tempering the eggs is essential to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth pudding texture.
- Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the pudding surface while chilling prevents a skin from forming.
- For a stronger gingerbread flavor, adjust the ground spices to taste.
- The pudding can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use unsulphured molasses for optimal flavor and color.
- Chill the heavy cream, eggnog, and mixing bowl well before making the whipped cream for best results.
Keywords: gingerbread pudding, holiday dessert, molasses pudding, eggnog whipped cream, spiced pudding, Christmas dessert, gingerbread