Cozy Homemade Gingerbread Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic

When winter’s chill settles in, a warm slice of gingerbread cake can spark instant comfort and nostalgia.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through my mind with every aromatic spice.

Molasses whispers sweet stories of childhood celebrations and cozy afternoons.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that wrap you in warmth.

Each delicate crumb promises a moment of pure culinary joy.

Seasonal spices blend seamlessly, turning simple ingredients into a magical dessert.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this enchanting treat.

Why Gingerbread Cake Feels Like A Hug In Every Bite

• Speedy Holiday Delight: Whip up this gingerbread cake in just over an hour, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: The straightforward recipe requires minimal technical skills, making it ideal for novice bakers wanting to impress family and friends.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this cake captures the cozy essence of winter celebrations and creates an inviting home atmosphere.
• Versatile Dessert Wonder: Enjoy as a decadent after-dinner treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a festive cocktail.

Everything That Goes Into A Classic Gingerbread Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for a soft and tender cake texture.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Classic warming spices that give the cake its signature gingerbread flavor. Choose fresh, fragrant spices for best results.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy structure.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, tender cake base. Opt for unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• Molasses: Gives the cake its deep, dark color and distinctive gingerbread flavor. Blackstrap or robust molasses work best.
• Hot Water: Helps blend ingredients and creates a moist cake texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Make a smooth, creamy frosting. Use room temperature ingredients for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the frosting.

• Powdered Sugar, Candied Ginger, Cranberries, Rosemary: Optional decorative and flavor-enhancing toppings that add visual appeal and extra taste.

How To Whip Up Gingerbread Cake Like A Pro

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (180°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish or round cake pan and give it a friendly coating of grease and flour, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 2: Blend Dry Spice Mixture

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

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Grab another bowl and beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a light and fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

Step 4: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in molasses and blend until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slowly incorporate the dry spice mixture into the wet ingredients. Alternate adding dry mix with hot water, stirring gently until the batter looks silky and perfect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Create Dreamy Frosting (Optional)

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the frosting is fluffy and irresistible.

Step 9: Dress Up Your Cake

• Candied ginger
• Fresh cranberries
• Sprigs of rosemary

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Cut a generous slice and pair with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. Savor every delightful bite of your homemade gingerbread cake!

Game-Changing Tips For Gingerbread Cake Perfection

• Master Moisture Management: Keep the gingerbread cake perfectly moist by not overbaking and using hot water in the batter, which helps create a tender crumb and prevents dryness.
• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust the spice blend to personal taste by increasing or decreasing ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a more subtle or bold flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe completely dairy-free without compromising rich taste.
• Storage Smart Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure and achieve a similar texture to the original recipe.

Best Ways To Keep Gingerbread Cake Moist

• Preserve your delectable gingerbread cake's freshness by storing it properly.
• Keep the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate frosted cake in an airtight container for 5-7 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Always place a layer of parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
• Freeze whole or sliced cake for longer storage – wrap securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to ensure the best taste and texture.

Perfect Pairings For Your Gingerbread Cake Moment

• Pair with Warm Mulled Wine: The spicy gingerbread cake finds its perfect match in a rich, aromatic mulled wine. The warm spices like cinnamon and cloves in the wine complement the cake's deep, robust flavors, creating a cozy winter treat that warms you from the inside out.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a slice of gingerbread cake alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the cake's warm spices, balancing the richness and adding a luxurious touch to each bite.
• Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Elevate your dessert experience with a spiced chai latte. The blend of cardamom, ginger, and black tea echoes the cake's warm spice profile, creating a harmonious pairing that brings out the depth of the gingerbread's complex flavors.
• Enhance with Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a homemade salted caramel sauce over the gingerbread cake. The sweet-salty combination adds a luxurious dimension, cutting through the cake's spiciness and creating a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Takes On Traditional Gingerbread Cake

• Spiced Pumpkin Gingerbread: Replace molasses with pumpkin puree and add extra cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal autumn-inspired cake that brings warmth to your kitchen.
• Chocolate Ginger Delight: Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter and sprinkle cocoa powder in the dry ingredients for a rich, decadent chocolate-ginger combination that elevates the classic recipe.
• Nutty Ginger Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter and sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the frosting for added texture and a nutty depth of flavor that complements the gingery spices.
• Citrus Ginger Splash: Incorporate orange zest and a splash of orange juice into the batter, and add a light citrus glaze instead of cream cheese frosting to create a bright, zingy version of the traditional gingerbread cake.

Gingerbread Cake FAQs That Save Time

• Why is molasses important in gingerbread cake?

Molasses adds deep, rich flavor and moisture to the cake. It creates that signature dark color and gives the cake its traditional gingerbread taste, making it more complex and delicious than a regular spice cake.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients and maintain the cake’s texture.

• How do I know if my spices are still good for baking?

Check the aroma and color of your spices. If they smell weak or look faded, they’re likely old and won’t provide the robust flavor needed for gingerbread cake. Generally, replace ground spices every 6-12 months for the best taste.

• What makes this cake different from a gingerbread cookie?

This cake is softer and more tender, using a traditional cake batter with eggs and butter. Gingerbread cookies are typically harder, cut into shapes, and designed to be crisp, while this cake is moist and meant to be enjoyed with a fork.

Gingerbread Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade gingerbread cake brings warmth and spice to winter celebrations with its rich, molasses-infused layers. Delicate crumbs melt in your mouth, inviting winter comfort and festive cheer to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Sugars:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) unsulfured molasses
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water

Frosting and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 package (225 g / 8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Candied ginger pieces
• Cranberries
• Rosemary

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180C (350F). Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish or round cake pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully integrated before adding the next. Pour in the molasses and mix until the batter becomes uniform and glossy.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with hot water. Stir gently until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture without overmixing.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
7. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack and let it cool completely.
9. For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
10. Once the cake has cooled entirely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the top using a spatula.
11. Finish the cake by dusting with powdered sugar and adding optional garnishes like candied ginger, fresh cranberries, or sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.
12. Slice and serve the gingerbread cake as a delightful dessert, perfectly paired with a warm beverage.

Notes

• Measure ingredients precisely for the most consistent and flavorful gingerbread cake texture.
• Use fresh spices to maximize the warm, aromatic flavor profile of the cake.
• Room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter blend more smoothly and create a better cake consistency.
• Always check cake doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center to prevent over or underbaking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
• Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake or want to make it more diabetic-friendly.
• Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Enhance moisture by brushing warm cake with a light syrup made from molasses and water after baking.
• For dairy-free adaptation, replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative in frosting.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to one month, perfect for advance holiday preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg