Easy Christmas Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Nothing says Christmas like the warm, spiced aroma of gingerbread filling your home. This easy Christmas gingerbread cake is soft, moist, and bursting with the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting dessert on chilly winter nights, it’s a must-try recipe for the season.

What Is Gingerbread Cake?

Gingerbread cake is a classic holiday dessert made with a blend of warm spices, molasses, and a tender crumb. Unlike gingerbread cookies, this cake is soft and fluffy, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. It’s an effortless treat that pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
• Rich Holiday Flavors: The perfect combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.
• Versatile: Serve plain, with toppings, or as a dessert centerpiece.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for days, making it great for holiday prep.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive cake:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (220 g)
  • 1 tsp baking soda (5 g)
  • 1½ tsp ground ginger (3 g)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (2 g)
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (1 g)
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves (0.5 g)
  • ¼ tsp salt (1.5 g)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup molasses (120 ml)
  • ½ cup hot water (120 ml)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses, mixing until well combined.

Combining Ingredients

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Baking

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve as is, or garnish with powdered sugar or whipped cream for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced tea for a cozy holiday treat.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness, up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
• Spice Boost: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a tangy contrast to the rich spices.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses for this recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind it has a stronger, more bitter flavor than regular molasses, which may alter the taste.

What can I use instead of molasses?
You can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

This easy Christmas gingerbread cake is the ultimate holiday dessert, combining simplicity with festive flavor. Whether you serve it plain or with a touch of whipped cream, it’s sure to delight your family and guests. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with this timeless treat!

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