Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

Warm aromas of spiced gingerbread cake waft through my kitchen, promising comfort and nostalgia.

Sweet memories of winter gatherings dance in my mind as I mix these classic ingredients.

Molasses adds deep, rich undertones that make this dessert truly special.

Cinnamon’s gentle warmth weaves through each tender crumb, creating a magical sensory experience.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of seasonal flavors.

Home bakers will adore how simple yet sophisticated this recipe becomes with minimal effort.

She loves how one slice transports you to cherished moments of holiday joy.

Let’s whip up a dessert that celebrates tradition with every delectable bite.

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting That Tastes Like the Holidays

• Create a showstopping dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master.
• Capture the essence of festive seasons with a rich, aromatic cake that brings families together around the table.
• Enjoy as a cozy afternoon treat, impressive dessert, or delightful holiday gift that everyone will adore.

What You’ll Need for Gingerbread Cake and Molasses Frosting

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the gingerbread cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for cake's rise and texture.

• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create classic gingerbread flavor profile. Use fresh ground spices for best taste.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help with cake's moisture. Brown sugar provides deeper flavor.
• Molasses: Gives deep, rich flavor and dark color characteristic of gingerbread.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and slight tanginess to cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Butter: Softened, provides richness and tender crumb. Room temperature is key.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.

• Molasses: Adds depth to frosting.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm spice note.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out frosting flavor.

• Gingerbread Cookies: For decorative crunch.
• Cinnamon Sticks: For visual and aromatic presentation.

How to Bake Gingerbread Cake with Deep Warm Spices

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create A Fluffy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars. Whip until the mixture looks light and airy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in molasses and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Pour in buttermilk, alternating between dry ingredients and liquid. Mix gently to maintain a soft texture.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 7: Craft Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Mix until silky smooth. Add molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Decorate With Love

Once cake has completely cooled, spread frosting evenly across the top. For extra flair, sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies or dust with ground cinnamon.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Cut into generous squares and serve at room temperature. Watch everyone’s faces light up with the first delicious bite!

Tips for Cinnamon Molasses Frosting on Gingerbread Cake

• Preserve Moisture Magic: Add buttermilk to ensure the cake stays incredibly soft and prevents dryness, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Spice Layering Technique: Toast ground spices briefly before mixing to intensify their flavors, releasing deeper, more complex gingerbread notes that elevate the entire dessert.
• Temperature Timing Trick: Let ingredients like eggs, butter, and cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing to guarantee smoother blending and more consistent texture.
• Frosting Finesse: Sift powdered sugar before adding to prevent lumps and create a silky, velvety frosting that spreads effortlessly across the cake's surface.
• Storage Smart Move: Store cake covered at room temperature for 23 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days, always allowing it to come to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Store and Slice Gingerbread Cake for Days

• Store the gingerbread cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, protecting it from drying out and maintaining its moist texture.
• Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to prevent absorbing other food odors and keep the frosting intact.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving to restore the cake's soft consistency.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Hot Sips That Pair with Gingerbread Cake

• Complement the gingerbread cake's robust spices with dark, full-bodied beverages like spiced rum hot toddy or black coffee with a hint of cinnamon.
• Match the cake's soft, moist crumb with crunchy accompaniments like candied pecans, toasted almond slivers, or crumbled gingerbread cookie garnish.
• Balance the cake's intense spiciness with smooth, cool pairings such as vanilla bean ice cream, whipped mascarpone, or bourbon-spiked whipped cream.
• Serve alongside warming winter cocktails like mulled wine, apple cider with brandy, or a smooth eggnog to highlight the cake's festive holiday essence.

Delicious Additions to Gingerbread Cake and Frosting

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond or rice flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vegan Spice Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk. Use vegan cream cheese alternatives for the frosting.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Delight: Replace granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free cream cheese and reduce molasses quantity for a healthier version.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, and buttermilk with coconut milk. Use plant-based margarine for frosting.

Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Warm spices dance through this classic Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting, inviting comfort and nostalgia with each slice. Rich layers of ginger, cloves, and molasses create a festive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy winter moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) molasses
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Additional Cake Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (optional):

• Crushed gingerbread cookies
• Cinnamon sticks
• Sprinkle of ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating with butter and lining with parchment paper. Position the oven rack to 175C (350F) for optimal heat distribution.
2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warm spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) to ensure even blending and eliminate potential lumps.
3. Cream the butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer, whipping until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with a pale color.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, allowing each to fully integrate before adding the next. Stream in molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter achieves a uniform texture.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Use a gentle folding technique to maintain the batter’s delicate structure and prevent overworking.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, which helps stabilize its structure and prevents potential crumbling.
8. Craft the frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Introduce molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla, then gradually fold in powdered sugar to create a creamy, spreadable consistency.
9. Once the cake has reached room temperature, generously spread the frosting across the top, creating elegant swirls or a smooth finish.
10. Optional: Embellish with crushed gingerbread cookies, a delicate cinnamon dusting, or decorative cinnamon sticks for visual appeal and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or oat milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even cake texture.
• Check cake doneness early by testing with a toothpick around 30 minutes to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg