Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the molasses until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped pecans at this stage.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture begins to bubble. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Cut slices of the gingerbread pudding cake and drizzle with the warm toffee sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience!
Notes
For a beautiful presentation, serve slices on a white plate and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few extra pecans. A dollop of whipped cream can enhance the dish further. Enjoy!