Gingerbread cake is a beloved dessert that brings warmth and comfort, especially during the holiday season. With a delightful blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The addition of molasses gives the cake a rich, deep flavor that pairs wonderfully with the light and creamy cinnamon molasses frosting. This recipe is easy to make and yields a moist, flavorful cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for a festive treat. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or just craving a cozy dessert, this gingerbread cake will be a standout.

The cake is not overly sweet, allowing the spices to shine through while the frosting adds a creamy, indulgent touch. Its simplicity in preparation makes it a great option for novice bakers or those looking for a quick yet impressive dessert. The perfect slice of this cake is a delightful mix of textures, from the moist crumb to the smooth, tangy frosting. The combination of flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience that captures the essence of the season. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or served as part of a holiday spread, this gingerbread cake is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gingerbread cake is a perfect blend of warm spices, sweetness, and a rich, moist texture. It’s simple to make yet deliciously flavorful, making it ideal for any occasion. The cinnamon molasses frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the spiced cake, elevating the entire dessert. The combination of the cake’s deep molasses flavor and the frosting’s smooth texture is irresistible. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that anyone can make, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner. This cake is also versatile enough to be enjoyed all year round but truly shines during the colder months when the warm spices are most appreciated.

Ingredients

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Molasses
Hot water
Vegetable oil
Brown sugar
Egg

For the frosting:

Butter
Powdered sugar
Cinnamon
Molasses
Milk or heavy cream
Vanilla extract

Variations

Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, feel free to increase the ginger or cinnamon. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper flavor.
Frosting Alternatives: Instead of cinnamon molasses frosting, you can top the cake with a cream cheese frosting for a tangier option. A simple powdered sugar glaze would also work well.
Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and substitute the milk in the frosting with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.
Add-ins: For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter, or mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the cake pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring the bottom and sides are coated to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This will ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the molasses, hot water, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and egg. Whisk together until smooth and the sugar is dissolved.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and well-combined, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 5: Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the frosting

For the frosting, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, molasses, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 8: Frost the cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top of the cake. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Be sure to measure your flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid using too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it to prevent the frosting from melting.
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though it will change the flavor slightly.
For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture.

How to Serve

This gingerbread cake can be served on its own or as part of a dessert spread. Pair it with a hot beverage like tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy experience. It can also be topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. If serving during a holiday meal, it makes a great addition to a festive dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover gingerbread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake before frosting it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature and frost as usual.

Reheating

To reheat the cake, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warm. Alternatively, you can warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

2. Can I use dark molasses instead of light molasses?

Yes, dark molasses will give the cake a deeper, more intense flavor, but either type of molasses can be used.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Frost the cake just before serving.

4. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

5. Can I make this cake without frosting?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, especially if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

6. How can I make the cake spicier?

Add more ground ginger or cinnamon to the batter, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

7. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with granulated sugar, though brown sugar adds a richer flavor.

8. Is this cake suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use non-dairy milk for the frosting.

9. Can I add nuts to the batter?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the flavors of the cake beautifully.

10. Can I serve this cake warm?

Yes, you can serve the cake warm, but be sure to let it cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting.

Conclusion

Gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting is a comforting and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the colder months. The combination of warm spices, rich molasses, and creamy frosting creates a treat that everyone will love. Easy to make, versatile, and delicious, this cake is sure to become a holiday favorite or a year-round indulgence. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or serve it at your next gathering, this gingerbread cake will leave a lasting impression.