1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix molasses, milk, and egg until combined.

4. In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy.

5. Gradually add dry ingredients and wet ingredients to the creamed butter, alternating and mixing just until combined.

6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out evenly.

7. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cornstarch. Heat water and butter in a saucepan until butter melts.

8. Stir hot butter mixture into the brown sugar-cornstarch mixture until smooth.

9. Carefully pour pudding sauce over cake batter.

10. Bake 38–42 minutes, or until cake is set but pudding layer remains below.

11. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.