Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite winter indulgence – Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding. There’s just something magical about this dessert that wraps you in a warm hug, like a cozy blanket on a chilly winter evening. I vividly remember the first time I had it; I was at a quaint little holiday gathering filled with the scent of spices and laughter. I took my first spoonful and—wow! The explosion of flavors was like a chorus of holiday cheer in my mouth.
This pudding is not only delicious but incredibly easy to make, which is a win in my book. The combination of soft, spongy gingerbread with a rich, sticky toffee sauce is truly a culinary romance. As I share this recipe, I can practically hear the sound of the spoon clinking against the bowl, and I hope you’ll feel the same cozy vibe in your kitchen!
What’s in Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding?
Let’s break down the ingredients for this delightful treat:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our pudding, giving it that lovely, light texture. I usually opt for unbleached flour for a more wholesome flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds rich sweetness and that caramel undertone that pairs so beautifully with spices. Dark brown sugar intensifies the flavor even more!
Ground Ginger: The star of the show! Ginger brings warmth and a bit of spice that just sings holiday spirit.
Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that complements ginger perfectly; it adds warmth and sweetness.
Baking Powder: This little helper makes sure our sponge pudding rises nicely and remains fluffy.
Molasses: For that deep, rich flavor and moisture. I love using unsulfured molasses for a cleaner taste.
Eggs: These bind everything together and add richness. Fresh eggs always win in my kitchen!
Milk: Just enough to create the right batter consistency. I usually go for whole milk, but you can substitute it if needed.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a nice depth of flavor. Don’t forget to melt it for easy mixing!
Sticky Toffee Sauce: The pièce de résistance! It’s a sweet concoction of butter, brown sugar, and cream that transforms this pudding into pure heaven.
Is Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health side for a moment—balance is key, right? While this Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is indulgent and delightful, most of the ingredients do have some nutritional value.
Whole Milk and Eggs: These ingredients provide protein and nutrients, although they can add fat to the dish. Moderation is the name of the game!
Molasses: It contains some beneficial minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium compared to regular sugar. But keep in mind, it’s still sugar!
Brown Sugar: Again, offers some advantage over white sugar but is still sugar, so we should enjoy in moderation.
So, while this pudding isn’t exactly a salad, it certainly brings joy to the table and remember—happiness is a part of a healthy diet!
Ingredients for Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, perfect for sharing!
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup packed brown sugar (prefer dark for more flavor!)
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
– Sticky toffee sauce (for drizzling – see below for recipe!)
How to Make Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding?
Ready to get your hands in the mix? Let’s do this!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, combine the molasses, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix!
5. Grease a pudding basin or oven-safe bowl and pour the batter in.
6. Place the pudding basin in a larger roasting dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin—this is called a water bath and helps the pudding cook evenly.
7. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the pudding is baking, prepare the sticky toffee sauce by melting together ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until combined and smooth.
9. Once the pudding is done, let it cool for a few minutes before gently inverting onto a plate. Drizzle with sticky toffee sauce and serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Serving Suggestions and Sweet Twists!
Okay, so here’s where you can get creative! You can swap in some spices like nutmeg or cloves for a little twist. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and richness.
Pair it with some hot spiced cider or a cozy cup of tea for the ultimate comfort experience. This pudding also tastes delightful the next day; just pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
You guys, I can’t stress enough how amazing this Sticky Gingerbread Sponge Pudding is. It’s the perfect way to bring everyone together during the holidays. I can’t wait for you to try it out—get ready for the compliments because they’ll be rolling in! Please share your experience, and if you add any of your own variations, I’d love to hear about them! Enjoy your baking!
