Description
Gingerbread lovers rejoice with this warmly spiced “elegant spiced gingerbread cake” that whispers winter comfort and nostalgic charm. Molasses-rich layers promise a delightful journey through classic holiday flavors, inviting you to savor each memorable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (532 ml) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (177 ml) molasses
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup (237 ml) hot water
- 2 large eggs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F and preparing cake pans with parchment paper and grease to ensure easy cake release.
- Create a fragrant dry mixture by combining flour, baking soda, and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Cream butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the cake.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next to maintain a silky texture.
- Introduce molasses to the batter, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform dark, glossy appearance.
- Gradually fold the dry spice mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with hot water to create a consistent, velvety batter.
- Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the cake has a rich, golden surface.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla for a light, fluffy consistency.
- Assemble the cake by positioning the first layer on a cake stand, spreading a generous layer of frosting, then carefully placing the second layer.
- Cover the entire cake with a smooth, even layer of frosting, creating a polished exterior.
- Embellish the gingerbread cake with decorative frosting swirls, miniature gingerbread men cookies, edible glitter, and crushed spiced cookies for visual appeal.
- Optional: Enhance the presentation with aromatic garnishes like star anise or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
Notes
- Spice Balance Matters: Freshly ground spices intensify the cake’s warmth and depth, creating a more vibrant gingerbread flavor profile.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Moisture Magic: Adding hot water helps activate the molasses and creates a tender, soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make this cake accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg