Name: Easy Gingerbread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 2/3 cup light brown sugar; 4 Tbsp cornstarch; 1 and 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled; 2 Tbsp Eggnog, chilled; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; Crushed gingersnap cookies

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If you’re craving comfort with a touch of festive flair, Easy Gingerbread Pudding is the dessert to make. Rich, creamy, and bursting with those classic spiced notes that taste like the holidays, this pudding is both nostalgic and impressively simple. Whether you’re new to homemade pudding or just want an effortless showstopper, you’ll love how the molasses, brown sugar, and warming spices blend into a silky-smooth treat. All dressed up with eggnog whipped cream and a sprinkle of gingersnap cookies, Easy Gingerbread Pudding is joy in every spoonful.

Easy Gingerbread Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the modest list – these essentials work some serious magic together. Every ingredient serves a purpose, bringing just the right balance of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable gingerbread character to this Easy Gingerbread Pudding.

Whole milk: The creamy base that gives the pudding its rich, velvety texture.
Heavy whipping cream: Boosts decadence and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
Light brown sugar: Lends warm sweetness and that signature caramel note.
Cornstarch: Ensures thick, silky smoothness without ever getting gloopy.
Ground ginger: Delivers bold, essential gingerbread flavor in every bite.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to complement the other spices.
Ground cloves: Just a hint — this spice brings a deeply aromatic, festive edge.
Ground nutmeg: Rounds out the spice profile with a sweet, nutty note.
Salt: Keeps the flavors lively and perfectly balanced.
Large egg yolks: Create a rich custard base that’s smooth and luscious.
Unsulphured molasses: This is the secret to authentic, old-fashioned gingerbread taste.
Unsalted butter: Melted in at the end for silkiness and flavor.
Pure vanilla extract: A little touch for added aroma and finesse.
Chilled heavy cream (for topping): Whips up beautifully for that dreamy finish.
Chilled eggnog (for topping): A seasonal twist that lightens and flavors the whipped cream.
Powdered sugar: Keeps the whipped cream sweet and fluffy.
Crushed gingersnap cookies (optional): Adds crunch and extra gingerbread flair for garnish.

How to Make Easy Gingerbread Pudding

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream

In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Set the pan over medium heat and let it warm until you see gentle bubbles forming around the edge. This little head start helps your pudding come together super smoothly and makes sure the flavors melt together wonderfully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the milk heats, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. This blend becomes your flavor bomb — every bit of spice gets evenly mixed for a perfectly seasoned pudding base.

Step 3: Whisk in Yolks and Molasses

Add your egg yolks and unsulphured molasses directly to the dry mixture. At first, it will look thick and a little stubborn, but keep whisking! Soon, it transforms into a wonderfully smooth, glossy paste. That molasses is key for true gingerbread decadence.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Mixture

Once your milk and cream are hot and ready to go, it’s time for a quick science trick: very slowly pour about one-third of the hot mixture into the egg-and-spice paste, whisking constantly. This keeps the pudding smooth and avoids lumps. Imagine you’re gently coaxing the eggs to the right temperature, not scrambling them.

Step 5: Cook Until Thick

Now, scrape everything back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream. Keep your whisk close and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch as the mixture thickens to pudding perfection — about 8 to 10 minutes. Once you see thick bubbles slowly breaking on top, keep it at a gentle boil for 30 seconds more to set the texture.

Step 6: Add Butter and Vanilla

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the butter, adding one piece at a time. Wait for each cube to melt in completely before adding the next, then swirl in the vanilla extract. For the silkiest pudding, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or jug before chilling.

Step 7: Chill Thoroughly

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin forming, or spoon into serving glasses and cover each. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight if you love an even thicker, more chilled dessert. Waiting is hard, but your patience will be rewarded!

Step 8: Prepare the Eggnog Whipped Cream

When you’re ready to serve, whip together the chilled heavy cream, eggnog, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This fluffy topping absolutely sings with gingerbread. A quick spin with a handheld mixer and you’ll have a festive, lush cream everyone loves.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Give the pudding a good stir to loosen it up. Top each portion with a generous scoop of eggnog whipped cream, and if you’re feeling extra, a handful of crunchy crushed gingersnap cookies. Now it’s time to savor every spoonful!

How to Serve Easy Gingerbread Pudding

Garnishes

The right garnish takes Easy Gingerbread Pudding from a weeknight treat to a table centerpiece. A fluffy dollop of eggnog whipped cream adds rich, seasonal creaminess, and a sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps brings the crunch. Feeling creative? A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of molasses can dress things up even more.

Side Dishes

If you want to build a whole dessert spread, consider serving Easy Gingerbread Pudding with simple butter cookies, vanilla ice cream, or cinnamon apples. A strong cup of coffee or spiced chai is also perfect alongside, for an indulgent afternoon snack or as a sweet end to a holiday meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl and serve Easy Gingerbread Pudding in elegant glass jars, pretty teacups, or even mini trifle dishes. Individual ramekins make for charming single servings, while a big family-style bowl invites everyone to dig in. Top with whipped cream and festive cookie shapes for a truly memorable finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Gingerbread Pudding holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to keep it well covered with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to preserve that luscious, skin-free top. Individual portions make grabbing a quick treat or packing lunchbox desserts a breeze.

Freezing

If you need to plan further ahead, Easy Gingerbread Pudding can be frozen before adding the whipped cream topping. Pour cooled pudding into airtight containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight whenever you need a sweet, spiced pick-me-up.

Reheating

While Easy Gingerbread Pudding is usually served chilled, you can gently rewarm it if you prefer. Microwave individual portions in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, just until warm. Always skip reheating with whipped cream or garnishes on top — add those fresh after warming.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Gingerbread Pudding without molasses?

Molasses really makes the gingerbread flavor shine, but if you’re in a pinch, try substituting with dark brown sugar or maple syrup — just know the flavor will be a bit lighter and less traditional.

Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Yes! Almond or oat milk work nicely as non-dairy options, though the pudding may not be quite as rich and creamy as with whole milk. Make sure to use a non-dairy cream for the topping if needed.

Can I make Easy Gingerbread Pudding in advance for a party?

Absolutely. In fact, making this pudding a day ahead actually improves the flavor and texture. Just keep it well-chilled and add toppings right before serving for maximum freshness.

What if my pudding is lumpy?

No worries! Simply pour the warm pudding through a fine mesh strainer before chilling. That step catches any cooked egg bits or spice clumps, leaving you with ultra-smooth results.

Is it possible to make this pudding lighter?

You can lighten the recipe by using low-fat milk and skipping the heavy cream. The result will be a little less decadent but still delivers those delicious gingerbread spices you expect.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made Easy Gingerbread Pudding, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup. With its inviting aroma and heartwarming, old-fashioned flavor, this treat feels like a warm hug in every bite. Don’t wait for a holiday to make it — go ahead and whip up a batch and see why everyone falls in love with Easy Gingerbread Pudding!