Cozy Gingerbread Cake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Holiday Magic

Cozy winter afternoons spark genuine excitement around this delectable gingerbread cake that beckons with warm, spicy aromas.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through my mind whenever I mix these fragrant ingredients.

Molasses and cinnamon create a rich, comforting embrace that feels like a culinary hug.

Soft crumbs melt on your tongue, revealing layers of nostalgic flavor and seasonal charm.

Nutmeg and ginger dance together, promising a dessert that whispers holiday traditions.

Baking this treat connects generations through simple, heartwarming ingredients.

Gingerbread Cake That’s Spiced and Soft in Every Slice

• Savor Festive Flavors: Packed with warm, aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this cake brings holiday cheer to any gathering.
• Bake with Ease: Straightforward recipe with simple ingredients and basic mixing technique makes it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Moist, rich gingerbread cake appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family celebrations and potlucks.
• Versatile Treat: Can be dressed up with cream cheese frosting or served plain, suitable for casual get-togethers or elegant dinner parties.

Gingerbread Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for a soft cake texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Provides essential rise and lightness.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic warming spices for gingerbread flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tender crumb.
• Molasses: Signature deep, rich sweetener for gingerbread.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic depth.
• Hot Water: Helps activate spices and moisten batter.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents cake from sticking.
• 8-Inch Cake Pans: Standard baking vessels for layer cake.
• Wire Racks: Allows cakes to cool evenly.

Gingerbread Cake Baking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your cake pans and give them a generous butter massage. Line each pan with parchment paper for a smooth cake release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these dry buddies together until they’re best friends.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Molasses
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they’re silky smooth. Slowly pour in hot water while stirring.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing – we want a tender cake!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Split the batter equally among the prepared pans. Slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare

Let the cakes chill completely on wire racks. They’re now ready for frosting or decorating however you like!

Gingerbread Cake Tips for Holiday Warmth

• Boost Moisture Magic: Add an extra tablespoon of molasses to enhance the cake's rich, deep flavor and ensure a super moist texture.
• Spice Precision: Freshly ground spices dramatically elevate the gingerbread's warmth, so consider grinding whole spices just before mixing.
• Room Temperature Trick: Bring eggs and other wet ingredients to room temperature to help them blend more smoothly and create a more uniform cake batter.
• Storage Wisdom: Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to intensify the spice flavors before frosting and serving.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Keep Gingerbread Cake Moist and Fresh

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping moisture sealed and preserving soft texture.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in freezer up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, preserving portions for quick single servings.
• Thaw frozen cake in refrigerator overnight, then warm slightly in microwave for 15-20 seconds or bring to room temperature before serving.

Gingerbread Cake Seasonal Companions

• Spice Up with Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced mulled wine complements the cake's rich gingerbread flavors, creating a cozy winter drinking experience that highlights the cake's warm spices.
• Pair with Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting balances the cake's deep molasses and warm spice notes, providing a creamy contrast to the dense, moist cake texture.
• Enhance with Caramel Drizzle: Buttery, golden caramel sauce adds a luxurious sweetness that deepens the gingerbread's complex flavor profile, bringing out the cake's warm undertones.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla bean ice cream offers a refreshing counterpoint to the cake's intense spices, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.

Gingerbread Cake Style Ideas

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Gingerbread Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Gingerbread Option: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and reduce molasses quantity for a diabetic-friendly alternative with fewer calories.
• Spice-Enhanced Gingerbread Cake: Increase ginger and add cardamom or black pepper for a more complex, warming flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• What makes gingerbread cake different from other cakes?

The unique blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives gingerbread cake its distinctive, rich flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional cakes.

• Can I make this cake without molasses?

Molasses is essential for authentic gingerbread flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, though the taste will be slightly different.

• Is gingerbread cake a holiday-specific dessert?

While often associated with Christmas, gingerbread cake can be enjoyed year-round, offering a comforting, spicy treat that works in any season.

• How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter, use fresh baking powder and baking soda, and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help create a light, fluffy texture.

Gingerbread Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich holiday “Gingerbread Cake” celebrates warm spices and festive memories, blending molasses, cinnamon, and ginger into a comforting dessert. Guests will savor classic flavors that dance with nostalgia and bring winter cheer to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch cake pans by coating with oil and lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Create a fragrant dry mixture by thoroughly blending flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a medley of warm spices including ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. In a separate vessel, whisk together liquid ingredients – vegetable oil, rich molasses, dark brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract – until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gradually introduce hot water into the liquid blend, stirring carefully to maintain a smooth texture.
5. Gently fold the dry spice mixture into the wet ingredients, using delicate strokes to combine without overmixing, which could result in a dense cake.
6. Distribute the aromatic batter evenly across the prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
7. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
8. Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks, which prevents soggy bottoms and prepares them for frosting.

Notes

• Always measure spices precisely for the perfect balance of warm, cozy flavors that define gingerbread.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more consistent cake texture.
• Use unsulphured molasses for a cleaner, less bitter flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
• When mixing, fold ingredients gently to keep the cake light and tender, preventing a dense or tough final result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg