Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease an 8×8‑inch baking dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk brown sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in melted butter, molasses, vanilla, and milk until well combined.

Add dry ingredients to wet, whisking until just smooth. Pour batter into the prepared dish.

In a smaller bowl, mix brown sugar and ginger for the sauce layer; sprinkle evenly over the batter.

Carefully pour boiling water over the back of a spoon onto the sugar layer—this creates the pudding beneath as it bakes.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The syrupy pudding layer will form underneath.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to settle. Serve warm with cream, ice cream, or whipped topping.