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Gingerbread Cake

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!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
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