The Magical Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe for Holidays

Baking a spiced gingerbread wreath cake brings pure winter magic into your kitchen.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg will dance through every corner.

Festive shapes transform simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Delicate spices weave complex flavors that comfort and surprise.

Rich molasses creates deep, smooth undertones in each tender slice.

Crafting this dessert connects us to cherished holiday traditions.

Come create something deliciously memorable that will spark joy around your table.

Cake That Forms a Gingerbread Wreath You’ll Want to Eat

• Masterfully Craft a Festive Showstopper: This gingerbread wreath cake is a holiday dream come true.
• Effortlessly Impress Guests: The stunning decorative presentation with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and rosemary transforms this cake into an edible work of art that will wow everyone at your gathering.
• Create a Sensory Holiday Experience: Warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that instantly evoke cozy winter memories and festive cheer.
• Bake with Beginner-Friendly Ease: The straightforward recipe requires basic baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels who want to create something special without stress.

Gingerbread Wreath Cake Must-Haves

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and helps with browning.

• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Nutmeg: Add warm, festive holiday flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the cake’s sweetness.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender cake texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Molasses: Gives a deep, rich color and intense flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and warmth.

• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light and fluffy whipped topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the frosting.

• Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise, Candied Ginger, Rosemary: Provide beautiful and aromatic decoration.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds a festive, snowy finish.

Creating a Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake That Feels Like Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your Bundt pan and give it some love with a generous coat of cooking spray or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re best friends.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in molasses and vanilla, stirring until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly marry your dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Pour in buttermilk, alternating between dry ingredients and liquid. This creates a silky, well-blended batter. Sprinkle in baking soda for that perfect rise.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

Grab a chilled bowl and whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form, creating a cloud-like frosting that will make your cake look magical.

Step 7: Decorate with Festive Flair

• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Candied ginger pieces
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Finish by dusting with a delicate snow of powdered sugar.

Wreath Cake Tips That Highlight Gingerbread Spice

• Enhance Spice Intensity: Freshly ground spices deliver a more robust and vibrant flavor profile compared to pre-ground spices, elevating the cake’s aromatic qualities.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a tender, moist crumb; mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid developing excess gluten.
• Achieve Perfect Whipped Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream whip faster and hold its shape more effectively during decoration.
• Substitute Ingredients Wisely: Replace buttermilk with equal parts yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
• Control Baking Time: Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures can vary; use the toothpick test for doneness.

Chill and Reheat Gingerbread Wreath Cake for Another Slice

• Store the gingerbread cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cake slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cake tough and dry.

Gingerbread Wreath Cake Tasty Companions

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Brew a homemade apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange zest that mirrors the cake’s warming spices and enhances its rich, holiday flavors.
• Complement with Bourbon Vanilla Latte: Craft a luxurious bourbon-spiked vanilla latte that adds depth and warmth, perfectly matching the gingerbread’s complex spice profile and creamy texture.
• Match with Caramel Pecan Sauce: Drizzle a decadent homemade caramel sauce studded with toasted pecans over individual cake slices, creating an indulgent layer of sweetness and nutty crunch.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a robust chai tea with cardamom, ginger, and black tea, offering a harmonious spice connection that elevates the cake’s aromatic gingerbread notes.

Gingerbread Wreath Cake Holiday Takes

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same rich spiced flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Winter Spice Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk. Use vegan whipped coconut cream for frosting to create a plant-based holiday treat.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, and reduce molasses quantity. Top with Greek yogurt frosting for a lighter, healthier version that maintains the classic gingerbread warmth.
• Dairy-Free Holiday Cake: Replace butter with olive oil, buttermilk with oat milk, and heavy cream with coconut cream. Maintain the traditional spice profile while catering to dairy-free dietary needs.

FAQs

• What gives this gingerbread cake its unique flavor profile?

The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a rich, complex taste that captures the essence of holiday baking. The molasses adds depth and a subtle sweetness that makes this cake truly special.

• Can I make this cake if I don’t have buttermilk?

Yes! You can easily substitute buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates a perfect buttermilk alternative that works great in the recipe.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The cake should also be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan and have a golden brown color.

• Is this cake suitable for people who don’t like very sweet desserts?

Absolutely! The spices provide a robust flavor that balances the sweetness. The molasses and warm spices create a more nuanced taste that’s not overwhelmingly sugary, making it appealing to those who prefer less sweet desserts.

Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive gingerbread wreath cake weaves holiday magic into a delightful dessert masterpiece. Warm spices and rich molasses create a comforting centerpiece that delights guests and brings seasonal cheer to any celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Flour and Spices:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Leavening Agent:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9-inch ring-shaped pan with parchment paper and grease to ensure easy cake release.
2. Create the dry ingredient mixture by combining flour, baking powder, warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute evenly.
3. Cream the butter and brown sugar in a separate large bowl until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale, creating a fluffy base for the cake.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing completely after each addition to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Add molasses and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully integrated and creating a rich, aromatic foundation.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a silky batter consistency, ensuring the final addition is the dry ingredients.
7. Gently stir in baking soda to activate the leavening process and create a tender crumb.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to ensure even baking and an attractive final appearance.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Prepare the whipped cream frosting by chilling a mixing bowl and beating heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, being cautious not to overwhip.
12. Once the cake has cooled completely, pipe decorative whipped cream borders using a star-shaped tip around the cake’s edges.
13. Embellish with festive garnishes including cinnamon sticks, star anise, candied ginger, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
14. Finish by dusting the cake with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for a wintry, elegant presentation.

Notes

• Keep ingredients at room temperature for smoother batter mixing and better cake texture.
• Measure spices precisely to balance the warm, rich gingerbread flavor without overwhelming the palate.
• Use fresh spices within six months for maximum potency and vibrant taste.
• Substitute buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for vegan adaptation.
• Ensure baking soda is fresh to help cake rise properly and create tender crumb.
• Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent whipped cream from melting.
• Store leftover cake in refrigerator, covered, for up to three days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg