As the first whispers of winter breeze in, there’s something magical about the scents of ginger and spice wafting through the kitchen. That’s why I’m excited to share my Easy Gingerbread Pudding, a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. This velvety, rich dessert captures the essence of traditional gingerbread, while being surprisingly quick to prepare—perfect for those busy festive days. Topped with a lush eggnog whipped cream, it transforms into a luxurious indulgence that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. With this recipe in your arsenal, you’ll have a go-to Christmas dessert that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also an easy make-ahead option for stress-free celebrations. Curious about how to create this festive indulgence? Let’s dive in!

Why is Gingerbread Pudding a Must-try?

Velvety Texture: This pudding is not just any dessert—it’s a creamy delight that melts in your mouth, offering a luxurious experience for your taste buds.

Festive Flavor: With the warmth of ginger and spices, this dish encapsulates the spirit of the holidays, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas table.

Quick Prep: Don’t let the impressive taste fool you—it comes together in no time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with loved ones.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this gem a day or two in advance, so you can focus on your holiday gatherings and less on last-minute baking.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Topped with eggnog whipped cream, this pudding will surely be a hit—perfect for festive dinners or cozy gatherings.

If you love holiday flavors, you might also enjoy my Gingerbread Pancakes Flapjacks that bring similar joy to your breakfast table!

Gingerbread Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding
• Milk – Provides moisture and creaminess to the gingerbread pudding.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness; opt for full-fat for the creamiest texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dish; for a deeper flavor, consider using brown sugar.
• Brown Sugar – Intensifies the gingerbread flavor thanks to its molasses content.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the pudding for a luxuriously creamy consistency.
• Egg Yolks – Essential for richness and create that silky texture.
• Molasses – Delivers the classic gingerbread taste; don’t skip this ingredient!
• Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg) – Bring the warm, festive flavors that define gingerbread pudding.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract – Boosts the dish’s flavor harmony; use pure extract if possible.
• Butter – Adds richness and gives a glossy finish to this delightful pudding.

For the Topping
• Eggnog Whipped Cream – A festive topping that complements the flavors perfectly; you can use regular whipped cream as a substitute if needed.
• Crushed Gingersnaps – Adds a delightful crunch and enhances the gingerbread experience.

Creating this Gingerbread Pudding is an easy way to bring the spirit of the holidays into your home, and it’s a fantastic dessert sure to impress!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Gingerbread Pudding

Step 1: Heat Dairy
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is warm but not boiling, about 5-7 minutes. Look for small bubbles forming around the edges to signal it’s ready.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ginger, ¼ teaspoon of cloves, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This blend will form the flavorful base of your gingerbread pudding. Mix well until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Wet with Eggs
Add 4 egg yolks and ¼ cup of molasses to the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. It’s important to achieve a uniform consistency here; this ensures the richness of your Easy Gingerbread Pudding shines through.

Step 4: Temper Eggs
With continuous whisking, gradually pour about one-third of the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture. This process, known as tempering, helps prevent the eggs from curdling. Keep whisking steadily until the mixture is smooth and creamy—a luscious blend that will enrich your pudding.

Step 5: Thicken Pudding
Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and starts to bubble, roughly 8-10 minutes. Look for a noticeably thicker, custard-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the butter has melted completely. For an incredibly silky finish, strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or individual serving dishes.

Step 7: Chill
Cover the bowls with plastic wrap, making sure it touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled. This allows the flavors to deepen, ensuring your Easy Gingerbread Pudding has an irresistible richness.

Step 8: Serve
Before serving, top each portion with a generous dollop of eggnog whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps for added texture. The final touch elevates your gingerbread pudding, transforming it into a festive delight that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Gingerbread Pudding Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic gingerbread pudding and create your very own signature version!

Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or coconut milk for the cream and milk to make a flavorful, dairy-free pudding that still captures the holiday spirit.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free to create a pudding everyone can enjoy without worry.
Spice Lovers: Increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon slightly to amplify those warm holiday flavors. A pinch of allspice can add a delightful complexity too.
Sugar-Free: Use an artificial sweetener that measures like sugar, adjusting the amount to taste for a guilt-free version.
Chocolate Twist: For a cocoa-infused variation, mix in some unsweetened cocoa powder (about 2 tablespoons) along with the dry ingredients, creating a rich chocolate gingerbread pudding.
Extra Flavor Boost: Try infusing the milk and cream with a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves while heating to give it an added depth of flavor.
Alternative Toppings: Instead of eggnog whipped cream, top with a dollop of spiced cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a different creamy texture.
Fruit Addition: For a tart twist, carefully fold in some dried cranberries or chopped pecans into the pudding mixture before chilling. They add a lovely contrast and chewiness.

For more incredible recipes that embrace these festive flavors, take a peek at my Gingerbread Pancakes Flapjacks, which offer another delicious way to enjoy gingerbread!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Gingerbread Pudding cups are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the pudding mixture up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply follow the instructions up to the chilling step, cover the dishes with plastic wrap (touching the surface to avoid skin formation), and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply whip up your eggnog whipped cream and top each portion right before serving for that fresh touch. This way, you’ll have a stunning and delicious dessert ready to impress your guests without the last-minute stress!

What to Serve with Easy Gingerbread Pudding

As winter settles in, pairing delightful dishes with your velvety dessert creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for festive gatherings.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: They’re rich and buttery, providing a comforting contrast to the spiced sweetness of the pudding.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of the carrots enhances the warm spices in the pudding, offering a bright, colorful side that feels festive.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements the rich flavors of the gingerbread, adding depth to your meal.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy addition that cuts through the sweetness, refreshing your palate with each bite.
Mulled Wine: Warm spiced wine adds a festive element and brings out the cozy flavors of the pudding.
Gingerbread Cookies: For a delightful doubling of flavors, serve with these classic treats that echo your pudding’s spiced goodness.
Apple Crisp: The crispiness and tartness of apples provide a delightful textural contrast and a fresh bite after the rich pudding.
Eggnog: This creamy drink pairs perfectly with the pudding topping, enhancing the holiday spirit in every sip.

Expert Tips for Gingerbread Pudding

Egg Tempering: To keep your pudding smooth, always whisk continuously while adding the hot liquid to the egg mixture. This prevents curdling.
Strain for Smoothness: After cooking, strain the pudding to eliminate any lumps and achieve a beautifully velvety texture.
Spice Freshness: For the best flavor, use fresh spices instead of pre-ground. Freshly grated nutmeg or ginger will elevate your gingerbread pudding significantly.
Chill Properly: Allow the pudding to chill adequately. A minimum of 2 hours in the fridge not only helps set it well but also enhances the flavors.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pudding, feel free to increase the brown sugar slightly; just ensure that the balance of spices remains intact.

Storage Tips for Gingerbread Pudding

Fridge: Store any leftover Gingerbread Pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s well-sealed to maintain its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the pudding for up to 1 month. Place it in a freezer-safe container and make sure to leave some space for expansion.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen pudding, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Stir gently to revive the creamy consistency before serving with eggnog whipped cream.
Reheating: If you prefer warm pudding, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly until heated through. Ensure not to boil to preserve its silky texture.

Easy Gingerbread Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of milk is best for Gingerbread Pudding?
For the creamiest texture, I recommend using whole milk paired with heavy cream. This combination adds richness and depth to the pudding. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with skim milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.

How long can I store my Gingerbread Pudding?
You can keep your Gingerbread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Can I freeze Gingerbread Pudding?
Absolutely! You can freeze Gingerbread Pudding for up to 1 month. Just place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then stir gently to restore its creamy consistency before serving.

What if my pudding doesn’t thicken properly?
If your pudding doesn’t thicken, it’s likely because it didn’t reach a high enough temperature or wasn’t stirred continuously as it cooked. To fix it, return it to the stovetop, continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often. If it still isn’t thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little milk to create a slurry, then gradually add this to the pudding while stirring. Cook for a few more minutes until thickened.

Can I make Gingerbread Pudding if I have dairy allergies?
Yes! For a delicious dairy-free version, use a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Make sure to check that your sugar and cornstarch are free from any dairy ingredients, ensuring a safe and tasty treat for your needs.

Is this pudding safe for pets?
It’s best to avoid giving your pets any Gingerbread Pudding. The sugar, spices, and especially the heavy cream can upset their stomachs. Stick to pet-friendly treats for your furry friends to keep them happy and healthy!