Description
This gingerbread cake is moist, spiced, and perfectly festive for the holiday season. Topped with a creamy cinnamon molasses frosting, it’s a show-stopping dessert that combines warm gingerbread flavors with a sweet and slightly tangy frosting. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the gingerbread cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) molasses
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
For the cinnamon molasses frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For garnish (optional):
- Crushed gingerbread cookies or cinnamon sticks
- Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract, until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with crushed gingerbread cookies, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or cinnamon sticks if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice into squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- For an extra festive touch, top with small gingerbread man cookies or a drizzle of caramel sauce.