Homemade Steamed Gingerbread Pudding

Homemade steamed gingerbread pudding or ginger cake is a delightful treat that brings a warm and comforting essence to any table. This traditional British dessert, often enjoyed during the colder months and festive occasions, boasts a moist, dense texture that melts in your mouth. 

The combination of spices, especially ginger, gives this pudding its signature flavor, making it a nostalgic favorite for many. Steaming the pudding results in a rich and decadent dessert that pairs beautifully with a thick cream or a warm sauce.

Ingredients and Equipment

Creating a delightful homemade steamed gingerbread pudding requires careful selection of ingredients to ensure maximum flavor and moisture. Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need:

• 142g all-purpose flour
• 57g dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 115g  fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 150g frozen butter, coarsely grated
• 1 inch fresh ginger, finely grated

• 2 large eggs
• 213g  molasses
• 115ml whole milk

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the dense, rich texture that defines this comforting dessert.

How to make Gingerbread Pudding

 Begin by generously buttering your 1.2-liter pudding basin to ensure your pudding releases easily after steaming.  In a large mixing bowl, sift the dry ingredients together (flour , dark brown sugar,  baking powder , baking soda and  salt ) . This process aerates the flour, giving your pudding a light texture.

Combine the flavors: Add  ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and  ground allspice for that quintessential gingerbread flavor.  Coarsely grate  frozen butter into the dry mixture, ensuring an even distribution for a rich, moist pudding.

Add wet ingredients: Mix in fresh ginger, 2 large eggs, molasses, and whole milk until well combined. Once your batter is ready, Gently spoon the batter into your buttered pudding basin, leaving a small gap at the top for the pudding to expand while cooking.

Prepare for steaming: Cover the batter with a disc of parchment paper to prevent water from dripping onto the pudding. Then, seal the pudding basin tightly with aluminum foil, tying it securely with string to keep moisture locked in.

Set up the steamer: Place a saucer upside down in a large saucepan to act as a trivet, ensuring that the pudding basin doesn't touch the boiling water. Pour boiling water into the pan until it rises halfway up the sides of the basin, avoiding any overflow.

Steam to perfection: Cover the saucepan with a lid and steam gently for around 2 hours and 30 minutes, topping up with water as needed to prevent the pot from boiling dry. 

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

Elevating your steamed gingerbread pudding can be as simple as incorporating nuts and dried fruits into the mix. Not only do they add texture, but they also provide a burst of flavor. Dried Cranberries or Cherries: Their subtle tartness enhances the pudding’s sweetness and complements the spices.

Adding a twist to your traditional gingerbread pudding can also be achieved by experimenting with various spices. Cardamom and carrots : A pinch of ground cardamom can introduce floral notes that beautifully complement the warmth of ginger .

By tailoring the spice blend to your taste, you create a personalized dessert that can surprise and delight your guests with each bite! These variations not only enhance the pudding but also reflect your unique culinary style.