Homestyle Moist Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

Warm spices dance through this delectable gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting, creating a sensational winter dessert that melts hearts.

Every slice promises comfort and nostalgia wrapped in rich, deep flavors.

The tender crumb carries robust molasses and ginger notes that whisper of cozy memories.

Fragrant spices intertwine gracefully, making this cake a showstopper at holiday gatherings.

Dark, sumptuous layers promise a decadent experience that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.

Bakers seeking a soul-warming treat will find pure magic in this classic recipe.

This dessert invites you to savor each luxurious bite and create delicious new traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 12

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Ingredients

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cake's tender crumb, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and create a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Signature spices that create the classic warm, aromatic gingerbread flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, moist cake texture, use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a tender crumb, brown sugar adds depth and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Molasses: Gives the cake its distinctive deep, complex flavor and dark color, choose robust or blackstrap molasses for intense taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the spice flavors and adds subtle depth to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting, ensure they are softened to room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Cinnamon, Molasses, Vanilla Extract: Add warm, complex flavors to complement the gingerbread cake.

Tools That Help Bake Gingerbread Cake Just Right

• Stand Mixer or Electric Handheld Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and mixing frosting smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for evenly baking the gingerbread cake.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Used for combining dry ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for mixing wet ingredients and cake batter.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter and smooth top of cake.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurement is key.

Bake Gingerbread Cake with a Rich Molasses Frosting

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 175C. Grab your baking pan and give it a quick spray of oil, then line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

• Mix Dry Spice Blend

Whisk together flour and a symphony of warm spices in a bowl. Let the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg dance together while you prepare the other ingredients.

• Cream Butter and Sweet Base

Beat butter with sugars until they transform into a fluffy, light cloud. This is where the of texture begins.

• Blend Liquid Goodness

Crack in the eggs one by one, then drizzle in molasses and vanilla. Watch as the mixture becomes rich and glossy.

• Create Cake Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir just until everything is harmoniously combined – no overmixing allowed!

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the heated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

• Whip Up Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Add molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until you’ve got a dreamy, spreadable frosting.

• Decorate with Flair

Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting generously. Sprinkle with crushed gingerbread cookies or a dash of cinnamon for extra pizzazz.

• Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Prepare for compliments!

Tips That Add Warm Spice to Every Slice

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture, especially butter, eggs, and buttermilk.
• Increase or decrease ground spices according to personal preference – more ginger for extra warmth or less for a milder flavor profile.
• Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use vegan butter or coconut oil to create a completely dairy-free version of the gingerbread cake.
• This cake actually tastes better the next day as spices develop deeper flavors, so consider preparing it in advance for more intense taste and easier serving.
• Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, adding xanthan gum to help maintain the cake's structure and prevent crumbling.

Serve This Gingerbread Cake at Holiday Gatherings

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by placing the gingerbread cake on a wooden board surrounded by fresh pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and miniature ornaments for a cozy winter wonderland feel.
• Warm Beverage Pairing: Serve thick slices alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or rich hot chocolate to complement the cake's warm, aromatic spices and enhance the cozy flavor profile.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with candied ginger pieces or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an upscale presentation that delights the senses.
• Seasonal Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with a festive ribbon, making perfect homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings that spread delicious cheer.

Store Slices for Enjoying Later with Tea

• Store the frosted gingerbread cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from absorbing other food odors.
• Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and soften the frosting texture, creating a more delightful eating experience.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before enjoying, maintaining the cake's delicious moisture and taste.
• Prepare the cake batter and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows the spices to develop deeper, richer flavors, making your gingerbread cake even more delectable and aromatic.

FAQs

• Can I make this gingerbread cake without eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a mashed banana. These alternatives help maintain moisture and bind the ingredients together while keeping the cake’s rich texture.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dairy sensitivities?

You can easily replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. The cream cheese frosting can be swapped with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

• How do I ensure my cake stays moist?

The key is not to overmix the batter and to check the cake early. Use the toothpick test – when it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s perfectly done. Molasses and buttermilk also contribute to keeping the cake incredibly soft and tender.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this gingerbread cake actually tastes better the next day as the spices have more time to develop. You can bake the cake 12 days in advance, wrap it tightly, and store it at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Moist Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Spiced gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting celebrates holiday warmth and comfort. Layers of rich ginger-infused cake topped with creamy, sweet frosting invite you to savor seasonal delights.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) molasses
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsps ground ginger
• 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Crushed gingerbread cookies
• Cinnamon sticks
• Sprinkle of ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a cake pan and line with parchment. Position oven rack at 175C (350F) for consistent heat distribution.
2. Dry Ingredients: Thoroughly sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to eliminate potential lumps and ensure uniform mixing.
3. Butter Mixture: Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
4. Wet Integration: Add eggs one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation. Pour in molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
5. Batter Formation: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Use a gentle folding technique to maintain the batter’s structural integrity.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
7. Cooling Stage: Allow cake to cool completely within the pan, which helps stabilize its structure and prevent potential crumbling.
8. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese and butter until silky. Introduce molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla, gradually incorporating powdered sugar to develop a creamy, spreadable consistency.
9. Finishing Touch: Once cake reaches room temperature, generously apply frosting across the top, creating elegant swirls or a smooth surface.
10. Garnish: Optionally embellish with crushed gingerbread cookies, a light cinnamon dusting, or decorative cinnamon sticks to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Precise Ingredient Temperature: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients gently to maintain air bubbles, preventing a dense, tough cake and preserving its light, delicate crumb.
• Spice Calibration: Adjust warm spices according to personal taste, but maintain balance to prevent overpowering the cake’s delicate flavor profile.
• Cooling Crucial: Allow cake to cool completely in the pan to set structure and prevent crumbling, enhancing overall presentation and slice integrity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg