As the holiday season approaches, there's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. And what better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by whipping up a delicious Gingerbread Pudding Cake in your slow cooker? This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also promises a gooey, mouth - watering dessert that will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
First things first, let's talk about the slow cooker. It's a kitchen hero that often gets overlooked when it comes to baking. But trust me, once you try this Gingerbread Pudding Cake, you'll wonder why you haven't been using your slow cooker for desserts all along. The slow, gentle heat of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a cake that is moist, tender, and full of rich gingerbread flavor.
To start this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients. For the cake part, you'll need all - purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and molasses. Molasses is the secret ingredient that gives gingerbread its characteristic deep, dark flavor and sticky texture. It's what makes this cake truly special.
Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Sift together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and molasses. Then, gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Now, it's time to prepare the slow cooker. Grease the inside of the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the cake batter into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly. Next, it's time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine some more brown sugar, butter, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sauce is boiling, pour it evenly over the cake batter in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 2 - 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The slow cooking process allows the sauce to seep into the cake, creating a gooey, pudding - like consistency that is simply irresistible. While the cake is cooking, you can enjoy the wonderful smell of gingerbread wafting through your home, getting you even more in the holiday spirit.
When the cake is done, let it cool in the slow cooker for about 10 - 15 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly. You can serve the Gingerbread Pudding Cake warm, straight from the slow cooker, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the cold, creamy topping is pure bliss.
This Gingerbread Pudding Cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a practical one. It's a great make - ahead option, as you can prepare the batter and sauce the night before and then just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning. By the time your guests arrive in the evening, you'll have a decadent dessert ready to serve without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, this recipe is very versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences. If you like a spicier cake, you can add a little more ginger or cloves. Or, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. You can also top the cake with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
In conclusion, this slow - cooker Gingerbread Pudding Cake is the ultimate no - fuss holiday dessert. It combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with the convenience of a slow cooker, resulting in a dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. So, break out your slow cooker this Christmas and treat yourself and your loved ones to this gooey, mouth - watering Gingerbread Pudding Cake. It's sure to become a new holiday tradition in your household.
