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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by generously coating with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely within the pans, which helps maintain their structural integrity and prevents crumbling.
- Prepare the frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until they create a smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, then blend in vanilla extract and eggnog, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Once the cakes have cooled, carefully remove them from the pans and place the first layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of eggnog cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer, ensuring an even coverage.
- Gently position the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides, creating a smooth and elegant finish.
- 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