Homemade Gingerbread Cake Recipe for Winter Warmth

Warm memories of holiday cheer dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this delightful gingerbread cake recipe.

Festive aromas instantly transport me to cozy winter afternoons.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a comforting embrace that wraps around your senses.

Layers of rich molasses bring depth and complexity to each tender crumb.

Dense and moist, this cake promises to become a cherished tradition in your home.

Sweet notes of ginger provide a delicate warmth that lingers beautifully.

Smart Tips for Gingerbread Cake Success

• Choose the Right Molasses: Select dark molasses for a deeper, richer flavor that enhances the traditional gingerbread taste.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough, dry texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of ground ginger and other spices to match your personal preference for warmth and intensity.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick at an angle into the cake's center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil, and use dairy-free milk instead of hot water for a vegan-friendly version.

Keep Your Gingerbread Cake Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover gingerbread cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Place on a cake stand with a loose cover to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp edge, briefly toast in a preheated oven at 300F for 5 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake

• Complement the gingerbread cake's rich, warm spices with a creamy chai latte that echoes its cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Top the cake with a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream, which provides a cool, creamy contrast to the dense, spicy cake texture and balances its intense flavors.
• Enhance the cake's depth by adding a golden caramel sauce drizzle, which adds a buttery sweetness that highlights the molasses undertones and creates a luxurious dessert combination.
• Elevate the gingerbread cake with a dollop of bourbon-spiked whipped cream, introducing a subtle alcoholic warmth that complements the cake's robust spice profile and adds an elegant touch.

Gingerbread Cake Makeover Ideas

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same warm spice profile.
• Vegan Gingerbread Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk to create a dairy-free, egg-free version that's equally moist and flavorful.
• Low-Sugar Gingerbread Option: Substitute sugar with applesauce or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cake's rich, spicy essence.
• Dairy-Free Gingerbread Treat: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and replace butter with plant-based margarine, ensuring those with dairy restrictions can enjoy this classic dessert.

Common Questions About Gingerbread Cake

• Why is molasses important in gingerbread cake?

Molasses gives the cake its signature deep, rich flavor and dark color. It adds moisture and creates a distinct sweetness that defines traditional gingerbread.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

• How do I know when the gingerbread cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be slightly firm and spring back when lightly touched.

• What makes the spices in this cake unique?

The combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, complex flavor profile that is quintessential to traditional gingerbread. These spices work together to produce a rich, aromatic taste.

Why Gingerbread Cake is a Must-Try

• Super simple recipe that requires basic ingredients and minimal mixing skills, perfect for home bakers of all levels.
• Packed with classic holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg that create an irresistible aroma and comforting flavor profile.
• Ready in under an hour from start to finish, making it an ideal dessert for spontaneous baking moments or last-minute gatherings.
• Easily dressed up with powdered sugar, frosting, whipped cream, or ice cream to suit different tastes and occasions.

What You’ll Need for Gingerbread Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, provides structure and texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, light crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Classic warming spices that give the gingerbread cake its signature flavor and aroma.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
• Molasses: Gives the cake its deep, dark color and distinctive rich flavor. Choose a robust, dark molasses for the best taste.

• Hot Water: Helps to activate the spices and create a moist cake texture.

• Powdered Sugar: For dusting and adding a light sweetness.
• Whipped Cream, Ice Cream: Optional serving suggestions for extra indulgence.

Bake Your Own Gingerbread Cake with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Blend Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves

Set mixture aside.

Step 3: Whip Butter And Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Elements

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Molasses

Mix until ingredients are fully integrated.

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with hot water. Start and finish with dry ingredients. Stir until batter appears smooth and consistent.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Transfer batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Final Touches

Let cake cool completely inside pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or add preferred frosting. Optional: Serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Gingerbread Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm holiday spirit fills kitchens with classic gingerbread cake, a nostalgic dessert celebrating spicy comfort and sweet memories. Molasses-rich layers create a delightful experience that connects friends and family around cherished seasonal traditions.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) unsulfured molasses
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water

Frosting and Garnish:

• 1 package (225 g / 8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Candied ginger pieces
• Cranberries
• Rosemary

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and generously coating a 9-inch rectangular or square pan with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter.
2. Carefully sift together the flour, baking soda, and aromatic spices in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain. Create a uniform dry mixture by whisking the ingredients thoroughly.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive base. Stream in the rich, dark molasses and blend until fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture, alternating with small additions of hot water. Stir gently but consistently to maintain a silky, lump-free batter.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and eliminate any air pockets. Smooth the surface to ensure uniform baking.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to set and cool gradually. Once completely cooled, remove from the pan and garnish with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or your preferred frosting.

Notes

• Enhance the cake’s moisture by adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients for extra tenderness.
• Swap traditional wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring to use a 1:1 replacement ratio.
• Boost the spice complexity by toasting ground spices briefly in a dry pan before mixing, which intensifies their warm, aromatic flavors and adds depth to the gingerbread profile.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, maintaining the cake’s rich texture while accommodating different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg