Merry Magic: Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking a delightful gingerbread cake with eggnog cream cheese frosting feels like wrapping yourself in a warm holiday hug.

Spices dance through each fluffy slice, creating memories of cozy winter evenings.

Molasses and ground cinnamon blend seamlessly, promising rich flavors that spark joy.

Nutmeg whispers softly between layers of tender crumb and silky frosting.

Seasonal ingredients transform an ordinary dessert into a festive celebration.

Creamy eggnog infuses the cream cheese with unexpected depth and warmth.

You’ll adore how this recipe turns simple ingredients into something magical.

Slice into pure comfort and let the magic begin!

Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese That Feels Like a Hug

• Spice Up Your Baking: Dive into a world of warm, comforting holiday flavors that dance on your taste buds with this gingerbread cake's perfect blend of spices.
• Effortless Elegance: Create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made, yet requires minimal baking skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration: Wow your guests with a show-stopping cake that captures the essence of holiday cheer and brings everyone together around the table.
• Festive Flexibility: Easily customize the decoration to match any holiday gathering, from intimate family dinners to large festive parties.

Brie & Pear Holiday Phyllo Cups Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine white powder for cake structure.
• Ground Ginger: Warm, spicy flavor enhancer.
• Ground Cinnamon: Sweet and aromatic spice.
• Ground Nutmeg: Rich, nutty baking spice.
• Ground Cloves: Intense, warming spice.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent for cake rise.
• Salt: Flavor balancer.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base for cake batter.
• Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Egg: Binding and moisture provider.
• Molasses: Dark, rich sweetening agent.
• Boiling Water: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Smooth, creamy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Light, sweet frosting component.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring agent.
• Eggnog: Seasonal, creamy liquid for festive touch.

• Sprinkles, Powdered Sugar: Festive finishing touches.

Crafting Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Get all ingredients ready on the counter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in molasses and stir until completely incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Slowly add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with boiling water. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely in pans.

Step 6: Whip Up Eggnog Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla extract and eggnog. Continue beating until frosting becomes fluffy and light.

Step 7: Assemble Delightful Cake

Carefully remove cooled cake layers from pans. Spread frosting on top of the first layer. Gently place second layer on top. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, creating smooth or swirled design.

Step 8: Add Festive Touches

• Festive sprinkles
• Powdered sugar
• Crushed candy canes
• Edible glitter

Serve and enjoy your spectacular gingerbread creation!

Cake Tips That Pair Gingerbread with Eggnog Frosting

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for spices to balance the warm, rich flavor profile of the gingerbread cake.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Don't overmix the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake; stir just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Optimize Eggnog Frosting: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Stabilize Cake Layers: Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the cream cheese topping.
• Enhance Spice Depth: Toast ground spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to the recipe to amplify their aromatic qualities and intensify the gingerbread flavor.

Chill Gingerbread Cake with Frosting to Keep It Soft

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Cut individual cake slices, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for quick single-serving treats up to 1 month.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore softness and flavor.

Gumdrop Fudge Sweet Matches

• Flavor Symphony Enhancers
• Pair Spicy Gingerbread with Smooth Winter Bourbon: Serve a small glass of aged bourbon alongside the cake, which complements the warm spices and cuts through the rich cream cheese frosting.
• Warm Beverage Harmony: Brew a robust chai tea or dark roast coffee to match the gingerbread's complex flavor profile, creating a cozy winter dessert experience.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a late harvest Riesling with subtle sweetness that echoes the cake's molasses notes and balances the spicy undertones.
• Holiday Garnish Magic: Sprinkle candied pecans or crystallized ginger on top of each slice to add delightful crunch and intensify the cake's aromatic spice elements.

Brie Pear Phyllo Cup Holiday Twists

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Option: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same rich spice profile and moist texture. Use almond flour or rice flour for added texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream cheese alternative or coconut whipped topping for a creamy finish.
• Lighter Healthier Version: Swap half the butter with applesauce to reduce fat content. Use Greek yogurt instead of full-fat cream cheese in frosting. Replace some sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
• Vegan Gingerbread Alternative: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Select plant-based milk for moisture. Create frosting with soaked cashews, coconut cream, and powdered sugar for a creamy, dairy-free topping.

FAQs

• What gives this gingerbread cake its distinctive flavor?

The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates the classic gingerbread taste. Molasses adds depth and a rich, slightly bitter sweetness that makes the cake uniquely aromatic.

• Can I make this cake less spicy?

You can reduce the amount of ground spices by half if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, start with smaller quantities and adjust to your taste preference during baking.

• Is eggnog absolutely necessary for the frosting?

While eggnog adds a festive holiday flavor, you can substitute it with milk or heavy cream if you don’t have eggnog available. The substitution will slightly change the taste but still provide a creamy texture.

• How can I ensure my cake layers are moist?

The boiling water in the recipe helps create a tender crumb. Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overcooking.

Gingerbread Cake With Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday cheer fills this gingerbread cake with eggnog cream cheese frosting, a seasonal delight that wraps warm spices and creamy sweetness into one irresistible dessert. Winter celebrations become magical when you slice into this richly spiced cake crowned with silky, nostalgic frosting.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) molasses
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar
• 1 large egg

Spices:

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

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by generously coating with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients including flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth and even blend of spices.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture with a pale golden color.
4. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly, then fold in the rich, dark molasses, which will deepen the cake’s color and flavor profile.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with boiling water to create a smooth, consistent batter that maintains a silky texture.
6. Pour the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and tap the pans gently to release any potential air bubbles.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no raw batter clinging to it.
8. Allow the cakes to cool completely within the pans, which helps maintain their structural integrity and prevents crumbling.
9. Prepare the frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until they create a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps.
10. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, then blend in vanilla extract and eggnog, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
11. Once the cakes have cooled, carefully remove them from the pans and place the first layer on a serving plate.
12. Spread a generous layer of eggnog cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer, ensuring an even coverage.
13. Gently position the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides, creating a smooth and elegant finish.
14. Add final decorative touches with holiday sprinkles, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or other festive embellishments to complete the presentation.

Notes

• Select high-quality, fresh ground spices for maximum flavor and aroma in your gingerbread cake, ensuring a rich and vibrant taste profile.
• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent frosting texture that spreads easily.
• Replace molasses with honey or maple syrup for a lighter, slightly different sweetness if traditional molasses is unavailable or not preferred.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cake’s soft and tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg