If you’ve ever craved something sweet, cozy, and just a little fancy, these Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes are about to become your new favorite dessert. They’re soft and tender with juicy pears baked inside, scented with ginger and a hint of brown sugar. The first time I made these, it was one of those chilly fall nights when the air smelled like woodsmoke, and all I wanted was something warm from the oven. I had a few ripe pears sitting on the counter, a knob of fresh ginger, and a craving for something simple but indulgent.
The result was pure comfort — buttery little cakes that bake up fluffy on top with a rich, pudding-like bottom. Now they’re a seasonal favorite in our house, right alongside my Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Thumbprint Cookies and Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints. These pudding cakes are the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and spice, and they taste like a warm hug on a cool day.
Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease 4 ramekins or a small baking dish. Place on a tray for easy transfer.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour into dry mixture and stir just to combine. Fold in diced pears.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ginger for the sauce. Sprinkle over the batter. Carefully pour hot water over the top of each ramekin — do not stir.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until tops are golden and cakes spring back when touched. The bottoms will be pudding-like.
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes
These Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes have everything you love in a dessert — tender crumb, warm spice, and just enough fruit to make them feel wholesome. They’re made with simple pantry ingredients but taste like something from a cozy bakery. You can serve them plain, with a scoop of ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
If you love spiced desserts like my Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies or Banana Bread Muffin Cookies, these pudding cakes will fit right in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pudding Cakes:
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sauce (to create the pudding layer):
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ¼ cups hot water
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle
If you like simple dessert ingredients that turn into something magical, this recipe belongs right next to my Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies and Coconut Lime Bars.
How to Make Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease four individual ramekins or a small baking dish. Place them on a baking tray for easy handling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until blended.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in the diced pears gently.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground ginger. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter in each ramekin. Gently pour hot water over each (do not stir). This creates the self-saucing effect that forms a rich pudding layer underneath as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cake springs back lightly when touched. The bottom should be gooey and pudding-like.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a scoop of ice cream.
If you enjoy cozy desserts with a bit of elegance, this one is just as comforting as my Coconut Cream Pie Bars but with a spiced, fruity twist.
Tips for Perfect Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes
- Use ripe pears: They soften beautifully and release natural sweetness.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined for tender cakes.
- Serve warm: That’s when the pudding texture is at its best.
- Add a topping: Ice cream or caramel sauce takes them over the top.
These same baking tips make my Soft Butter Pecan Cookies so melt-in-your-mouth soft — gentle mixing and the right bake time are key.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked batter for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking.
If you like desserts that taste even better the next day, these pudding cakes have the same magic as my Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies — they hold their flavor beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Maple Pear Pudding Cakes: Replace the sugar in the sauce with maple syrup.
- Gingerbread Twist: Add a tablespoon of molasses and a pinch of clove.
- Apple-Ginger Version: Swap pears for apples for a fall-inspired spin.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Like my Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints, this recipe invites creativity — a basic batter that can go in so many delicious directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned pears?
Yes! Drain them well before using, but fresh pears give a better texture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the batter and sauce separately, then assemble just before baking.
3. How should I serve pudding cakes?
They’re best warm with ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast of warm pudding and cool topping is perfection.
4. Can I make one large pudding cake instead of individuals?
Absolutely! Bake in an 8×8 dish for about 35–40 minutes.
The Final Bite
These Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes are everything you want in a fall or winter dessert — warm, spiced, and irresistibly comforting. Each spoonful delivers tender pear, cozy ginger spice, and that melt-in-your-mouth pudding layer that feels like magic.
Serve them for family dinners, holidays, or any night that calls for something special yet easy. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee and your favorite cozy blanket — because comfort doesn’t get better than this.