Gingerbread Cake

There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Gingerbread Cake wafting through the kitchen, especially during the fall season. I remember the first time I made this cake; it was a chilly afternoon, and I wanted to create something comforting and festive. As I mixed the spices and the warm molasses together, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. It reminded me of cozy gatherings with family, laughter, and the joy that comes from sharing food made with love. This Gingerbread Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a tradition that brings everyone together.

As I explored different recipes, I found that this one stands out, not just for its rich flavor but also for its delightful cream cheese frosting. It’s a wonderful treat that can elevate any gathering, be it a holiday celebration or a simple family dinner. When I frost the cake and add a sprinkle of sparkling cranberries, it transforms into a centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes. Each slice offers a moist, tender crumb with the perfect balance of spices, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

So, whether you’re planning a festive celebration or just want to indulge in something sweet, this Gingerbread Cake is the perfect choice. You can serve it warm, topped with that luscious frosting, or enjoy it as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it holds a special place in my heart.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake

To create a memorable Gingerbread Cake, you’ll need a selection of cozy ingredients that work in harmony. The base of this cake relies on the rich flavors of molasses and a blend of spices, which are key players in developing its signature taste. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced cake, making it a delightful combination.

• 3/4 cup boiling water – This helps to dissolve the baking soda while also adding moisture to the cake.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – Essential for leavening the cake and ensuring a fluffy texture.
• 2/3 cup unsulphured molasses – Provides the deep, rich sweetness and distinctive flavor.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the spices.
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation that gives structure to the cake.
• 2 tsp ground ginger – A key spice that lends warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds a sweet, aromatic touch that is quintessential for gingerbread.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – Enhances the overall spice profile with its warm flavor.
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves – Provides a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs – Act as a binder and help with the cake’s structure.
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened – The star ingredient for the frosting, providing a rich, creamy texture.
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – A hint of flavor that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
• Sparkling cranberries and mint leaves (optional) – For decoration, adding a festive touch to your cake.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake

Making a Gingerbread Cake is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the warm scents of the season. Follow these steps to create a cake that will impress everyone!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for baking the cake, ensuring it cooks evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking pan. Butter a 9-inch springform pan, or you can also use an 8-inch square pan if that’s what you have on hand. If using a springform pan, it’s a good idea to line the bottom with parchment paper and butter that too. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked.

2. In a heatproof mixing bowl, whisk together boiling water and baking soda. This will create a bubbly reaction that starts to activate the soda. Next, stir in the molasses and granulated sugar, mixing well to dissolve the sugar completely and combining the flavors. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these spices with the flour is essential for evenly distributing their flavors throughout the cake.

4. Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Start by stirring the vegetable oil and eggs into the cooled molasses mixture. Once well-mixed, gradually whisk this wet mixture into the dry mixture, adding it in thirds. It’s important to mix well after each addition to ensure a uniform batter.

5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes about 30 to 35 minutes, but keep an eye on it in case your oven runs hot.

6. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it, then carefully remove the ring of the springform pan. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting when you apply it.

7. While your cake cools, let’s prepare the frosting. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.

8. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed initially to prevent sugar from flying everywhere, then increase the speed until the frosting is light and fluffy and well-combined. If it seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.

9. Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost it. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the cake. If you like, decorate the top with sparkling cranberries and fresh mint leaves for a festive and beautiful presentation. This touch makes the cake extra special!

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to customize your Gingerbread Cake, there are plenty of exciting variations you can try. Here are some ideas:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice Up the Flavor: Experiment with different spices. Adding cardamom or allspice can give your cake a unique twist.
• Frosting Variations: Try different frostings such as a simple whipped cream or a caramel glaze for a new flavor profile.
• Layered Cake: Make a layered version by slicing the cake in half and adding frosting between the layers.
• Seasonal Fruits: Top the cake with seasonal fruits or even a fruit compote for added sweetness and freshness.

What Complements This Gingerbread Cake

When serving your Gingerbread Cake, consider pairing it with a variety of delightful accompaniments:

• Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
• Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Cheese Board: Create a cheese board and include this cake as a sweet option alongside savory cheeses and fruits.
• Holiday Gatherings: This cake is ideal for holiday gatherings, making it a festive centerpiece.
• Picnics: Cut it into squares and pack it for a picnic. It’s easy to transport and always a hit!
• Storage Options: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Gingerbread Cake is a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season with its rich spices and comforting flavors. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering or simply to enjoy at home. There’s nothing quite like sharing a slice of this cake with loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Gingerbread Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Gingerbread Cake is a delightful, spiced treat topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for the holiday season, this cake is moist, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Make it tonight and bring warmth to your table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2/3 cup unsulphured molasses
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Sparkling cranberries and mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for baking the cake, ensuring it cooks evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking pan. Butter a 9-inch springform pan, or you can also use an 8-inch square pan if that’s what you have on hand. If using a springform pan, it’s a good idea to line the bottom with parchment paper and butter that too. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked.
• In a heatproof mixing bowl, whisk together boiling water and baking soda. This will create a bubbly reaction that starts to activate the soda. Next, stir in the molasses and granulated sugar, mixing well to dissolve the sugar completely and combining the flavors. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these spices with the flour is essential for evenly distributing their flavors throughout the cake.
• Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Start by stirring the vegetable oil and eggs into the cooled molasses mixture. Once well-mixed, gradually whisk this wet mixture into the dry mixture, adding it in thirds. It’s important to mix well after each addition to ensure a uniform batter.
• Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes about 30 to 35 minutes, but keep an eye on it in case your oven runs hot.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it, then carefully remove the ring of the springform pan. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting when you apply it.
• While your cake cools, let’s prepare the frosting. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.
• Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed initially to prevent sugar from flying everywhere, then increase the speed until the frosting is light and fluffy and well-combined. If it seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.
• Once the cake has cooled completely, it's time to frost it. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the cake. If you like, decorate the top with sparkling cranberries and fresh mint leaves for a festive and beautiful presentation. This touch makes the cake extra special!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the cake for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or spiced tea, making it a perfect dessert for cozy gatherings.
• Variations: Feel free to change up the frosting or add nuts to the batter for a little crunch.

Keyword Cream Cheese Frosting, fall dessert, Gingerbread Cake Recipe, holiday baking

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.