Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding. It’s one of those desserts that wraps you in a cozy hug, especially on chilly evenings. Every time I make this pudding, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the sweet, spicy scents of ginger and cinnamon. She used to say that the secret ingredient in her recipe was love, and I couldn’t agree more!
Now, let me tell you why this pudding is super special. It’s moist, spongy, and drenched in a luscious syrup that makes every bite feel like a holiday celebration. Whether you’re gathering around the fireplace or just treating yourself after a long day, this sticky treat is sure to make your heart feel warm and your tummy happy.
What’s in Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you know what magic you’ll be conjuring up in your kitchen:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our pudding, providing structure and softness.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These little leavening agents work together to make the pudding rise perfectly, giving it that fluffy texture we all love.
Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: The trio of spices that give this pudding its delightful taste and warmth. I love using fresh spices whenever possible; they really do elevate the flavor!
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Unsalted Butter: Creamy, rich, and oh-so-important for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Make sure it’s softened; nobody likes a lumpy batter!
Brown Sugar: This adds that rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Molasses: Not only does it bring a lovely depth of flavor, but it also keeps the pudding nice and moist.
Large Eggs: They provide structure and help bind everything together.
Milk: This adds moisture and a bit of richness to the pudding.
Golden Syrup: A sweet, sticky delight that pours over the batter like a warm hug. If you can’t find this, light corn syrup will work just as well.
Dark Brown Sugar (for topping): This finishes off the pudding with a sweet, caramelized topping.
Water: Just a simple addition for steaming, crucial for keeping that pudding moist and tender during baking.
Is Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding Good for You?
Ah, the health benefits of gingerbread pudding! While this isn’t exactly a kale salad, there are some positives to consider:
Ginger: It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. Who knew a dessert could lend a hand in making you feel better?
Cinnamon: This spice can help regulate blood sugar levels, so it’s got that going for it.
Molasses: It contains iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it a bit better than regular sugar.
Of course, with deliciousness comes a tad bit of decadence, so enjoy this pudding in moderation. A little indulgence never hurt anyone, right?
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tbsp ground ginger
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
– 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, for topping
– 1/2 cup water, for steaming
*Serves: About 6-8 people, depending on how generous your portions are (I’m a fan of generous!).*
How to Make Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your favorite baking dish or pudding basin – make sure it’s ready to catch all that gooey goodness!
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined – this is where the magic of spices really comes together!
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is golden – don’t rush it!
4. Stir in the molasses and eggs into the butter-sugar mix until it’s blended beautifully.
5. Gradually mix in your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. I like to start and end with the dry ingredients – it creates a nice consistency!
6. Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
7. In a small saucepan, mix the golden syrup, dark brown sugar, and water, heating gently until the sugar dissolves into a sweet, syrupy hug.
8. Pour this golden syrup mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish. Trust me; this is the best part!
9. Place your baking dish into a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This steams your pudding to perfection.
10. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a skewer poked into the center comes out clean.
11. Once baked, let it sit for a few minutes before diving in. It’s best enjoyed warm, possibly with a side of cream or custard because, let’s be honest, it makes it even better!
Delicious Tricks and Tips for Your Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding!
– If you’re up for it, add some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for a little extra texture. Walnuts or raisins can be fabulous additions!
– A dollop of whipped cream or some rich custard takes this pudding to the next level. I like to indulge a little – after all, it’s a dessert!
– Leftovers (if you can manage any) reheat wonderfully in the microwave. You can also serve it cold, but I genuinely believe warm is the way to go!
I can’t wait for you to try this delightful Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding! It’s a treat loaded with all the warmth and comfort that makes chilly days feel a little bit cozier. If you whip up a batch, please share your thoughts with me – I love hearing about your culinary adventures! Happy baking! 🍰✨
