Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake: A Cozy, Spiced Delight for the Holidays

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a home-baked dessert to bring people together. And if you’re looking for a recipe that perfectly captures the cozy, spiced flavors of the season, then look no further than this Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake. It’s a decadent, comforting dessert that’s equal parts cake and bread pudding, with the rich, aromatic flavors of gingerbread spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and, of course, ginger.

This Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake is a wonderful twist on the traditional bread pudding. The cake base is soft and spongy, absorbing the rich custard mixture like a traditional bread pudding, but it also retains a hint of structure, making each bite a delicious, satisfying balance of texture. The warm, spicy gingerbread flavor shines through in every mouthful, making it the perfect dessert for holiday dinners, festive gatherings, or any time you want a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ready to give this irresistible dessert a try? Here’s how you can make your own Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake at home.

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake

• Perfect for the Holidays: The warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread make this dessert the ideal treat for cozy winter nights, holiday parties, or even as a decadent breakfast option for Christmas morning.

• Easy to Make: While it may seem like an elegant dessert, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Using simple pantry staples like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with bread and a few basic baking ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort.

• Two Desserts in One: It’s part bread pudding and part cake, giving you the best of both worlds. The result is a comforting, rich dessert that is custardy in the center and golden on top, with a perfect balance of moistness and structure.

• Customizable: You can easily make it your own by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit (raisins or cranberries work great), or even a handful of chocolate chips. You could also drizzle it with a caramel sauce, serve it with vanilla ice cream, or top it with freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 4 cups cubed day-old bread (a hearty white bread, challah, or brioche works well)

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)

• 3 large eggs

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for drizzling)

• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar (for sprinkling)

• Freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bread:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square or round baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. If you haven't already, cube your day-old bread into bite-sized pieces. The bread should be slightly stale for the best results, as it will absorb the custard mixture more effectively. If your bread is too fresh, toast it in the oven for about 5 minutes to dry it out a bit.

2. Make the Custard Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, melted butter, dark brown sugar, molasses, eggs, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved. This spiced custard is what gives the bread pudding cake its rich, gingerbread-like flavor.

3. Assemble the Bread Pudding Cake:

Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and gently stir to combine. Make sure all of the bread is well-coated in the custard. Let the bread sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the liquid, giving it a chance to soak up all the flavor.

4. Bake:

Once the bread has absorbed the custard, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the bread and custard mixture in the dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The texture should be firm on the outside with a soft, custardy center.

5. Prepare the Topping (Optional):

While the bread pudding cake is baking, you can prepare the optional topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until it’s warmed through but not boiling. Drizzle the warm cream over the top of the finished bread pudding for an extra layer of richness. Sprinkle the top with a little brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness and a little crunch.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the bread pudding cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will give it time to set and make it easier to slice. Serve warm, topped with freshly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could also sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for added flair.

Why This Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake is So Irresistible

• The Perfect Combination of Texture: The bread pudding cake has a lovely texture that’s moist, tender, and custardy in the center, while the edges crisp up slightly during baking, giving you the best of both worlds.

• Spices That Bring Comfort: The warming spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—are what really make this dessert feel like the holiday season. The deep flavor of molasses adds a touch of richness and complexity, and the combination of these spices with the bread creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the house while it bakes.

• Versatile Serving Options: This bread pudding cake can be served as a dessert, a breakfast treat, or even a brunch dish. You can enjoy it as-is, or go all out by adding toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

• Make Ahead Friendly: Like most bread pudding recipes, this Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake can be made ahead! Prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and then pop it in the oven the next day to bake fresh. This makes it an excellent option for busy holiday mornings or dinner parties when you want a no-fuss, make-ahead dessert.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake:

• Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can become too soggy when baking, so it’s best to use bread that’s slightly stale. If your bread is too fresh, you can dry it out a bit by toasting it in the oven for a few minutes.

• Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to add some extras to the bread pudding, such as chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or currants), or even a handful of chocolate chips if you want to add a little extra indulgence.

• Don’t Skip the Soaking Time: Letting the bread soak in the custard mixture is key to getting a perfectly moist, flavorful bread pudding. Be patient and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the custard before baking.

• Serve with Toppings: While this bread pudding cake is delicious on its own, serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take it to the next level.

This Gingerbread Bread Pudding Cake is the perfect dessert to bring holiday cheer to your table. The warming spices, soft cake texture, and rich custard filling make it a cozy, indulgent treat that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you serve it as a comforting breakfast, a festive holiday dessert, or as part of a cozy winter gathering, it will become a new favorite. Easy to make, full of flavor, and simply delicious, this is a recipe you’ll want to make year after year.

Happy baking, and enjoy this ginger-spiced delight!