The Ultimate Gingerbread Cake: Cozy, Moist, and Full of Flavor

Gingerbread Cake is everything you want in a comforting dessert. With the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, this cake is the perfect treat for any chilly day or holiday gathering. The tender, moist crumb pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re snuggled up by the fire or hosting a festive party, this cake will be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into how to make this gingerbread masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of spiced cakes, then this gingerbread cake will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s bursting with rich flavors of molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. But that’s not all—it’s incredibly moist, fluffy, and surprisingly easy to make. You’ll love how it fills your home with an inviting aroma as it bakes, making it a perfect choice for your holiday desserts or even as a cozy wintertime snack.

The best part? It’s versatile! You can enjoy it plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar, top it with a smooth cream cheese frosting, or even serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. Whatever way you choose to serve it, this gingerbread cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 cup hot water

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Candied ginger pieces
• Cranberries and rosemary for a festive touch

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan, depending on your preference. The right size pan will ensure an even bake and a beautiful result.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and your warm spices—ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this bowl aside as you move on to the wet ingredients.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is important to create a smooth texture in the cake, so make sure your butter is softened enough to cream easily.

4. Add the Eggs and Molasses:
Once your butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, add in the eggs, one at a time. Mix in each egg thoroughly before adding the next. Then, pour in the molasses and mix until everything is well combined. The molasses will add that rich, deep flavor that makes gingerbread cake so special.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the hot water. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until smooth, ensuring that no lumps of flour remain. You should have a slightly runny batter.

6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Don’t overbake—the cake should be moist and tender. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
While the cake cools, you can make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fluffy and light. Stir in the vanilla extract, and your frosting is ready!

8. Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. If you prefer a more minimal approach, you can simply dust the cake with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

9. Garnish and Serve:
For an extra festive touch, garnish your cake with some candied ginger pieces, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a nice contrast of flavor. Serve the cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.

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Tips and Tricks

• Molasses Tip: The type of molasses you use can make a big difference in the flavor of your gingerbread cake. For a lighter, sweeter cake, use regular unsulfured molasses. If you want a stronger, more robust flavor, you can try using blackstrap molasses. Just keep in mind that blackstrap molasses is more bitter, so use it sparingly.
• Moisture Boost: If you’re worried about the cake being too dry, you can add a bit of sour cream or applesauce to the batter. This will help keep the cake extra moist without changing the flavor too much.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you love a spicier gingerbread cake, increase the ginger or cinnamon. A pinch of allspice or cardamom can also bring an extra layer of complexity to the flavor.
• No Cream Cheese Frosting? You can skip the frosting entirely or opt for a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. Either way, the cake will still be delicious!
• Make Gingerbread Cupcakes: For individual servings, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes. It’s a fun twist and perfect for sharing.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover gingerbread cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
• Refrigeration: If you have cream cheese frosting on the cake, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Either freeze the whole cake or wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

• Gingerbread cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. A dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce all make perfect accompaniments.
• For a holiday-inspired twist, serve it with fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of candied ginger. This adds a pop of color and a burst of festive flavor.
• If you’re looking for a cozy pairing, enjoy a slice of this gingerbread cake with a cup of warm chai tea or spiced coffee. The spices in the cake and the drink complement each other perfectly, making for a relaxing afternoon treat.

Variations to Try

• Orange Gingerbread Cake: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist that will brighten up the rich flavors of the cake.
• Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cake: If you’re a chocolate lover, stir in some chocolate chips for a decadent touch. The combination of chocolate and spices is absolutely divine.
• Glazed Gingerbread Cake: For a simple, elegant finish, drizzle the cake with a vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a little vanilla extract.
• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this gingerbread cake ahead of time?
   Yes! You can bake the cake ahead of time and store it covered for up to 2 days before frosting. Frost it just before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I use blackstrap molasses?
   Blackstrap molasses has a stronger, more intense flavor. While you can use it, I recommend regular unsulfured molasses for a more balanced taste.
3. How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?
   Be sure to grease and flour your pan generously. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the cake?
   Yes! Add up to 1/2 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cake is the ultimate wintertime dessert—moist, spiced, and perfectly comforting. Whether you enjoy it with a rich cream cheese frosting, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or just on its own, this cake will bring warmth and sweetness to your table. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, a cozy afternoon treat, or any time you’re craving a slice of something delicious. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your friends and family will be asking for the recipe!