Gingerbread Cake Recipe: A Festive and Flavorful Treat

Warm, spiced, and delightfully soft, this Gingerbread Cake is the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights. Infused with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, this cake captures the essence of the season. Top it with a luscious cream cheese frosting for a dessert that’s both indulgent and unforgettable.

What Is Gingerbread Cake?

Gingerbread Cake is a moist and tender spiced cake made with classic holiday flavors such as ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Its deep, rich flavor comes from molasses, while buttermilk keeps it soft and light. Paired with cream cheese frosting, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with holiday flavors: A perfect blend of warming spices and rich molasses.
• Simple yet impressive: Easy enough for beginners, but special enough for celebrations.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with frosting, or as part of a festive dessert spread.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences or flavor tweaks.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the molasses until fully incorporated.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Baking the Cake

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

9. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive flair.
• Pair with a warm drink like spiced cider, tea, or coffee for a comforting treat.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle with holiday-themed decorations for extra cheer.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Keep frosted cake refrigerated, as the cream cheese frosting is perishable.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a flaxseed egg substitute.
• Extra spice: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.
• Citrus twist: Incorporate orange zest into the batter or frosting for a bright, tangy note.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses for this recipe?
Yes, but note that blackstrap molasses has a more robust and slightly bitter flavor. You may want to reduce the quantity slightly if using it.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a lined cupcake tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.

This Gingerbread Cake combines the warmth of holiday spices with a moist and tender crumb, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you top it with the creamy frosting or serve it as is, this cake is bound to fill your home with the magic of the season. Try it today, and let the comforting aroma of gingerbread transform your celebrations!

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