Heavenly Homemade Gingerbread Cake Recipe for Sweet Delight

Spices dance through this heavenly gingerbread cake that transforms ordinary dessert moments into pure comfort.

Warm molasses and rich brown sugar create a deeply satisfying base for our moist gingerbread cake recipe.

Fragrant ginger, cinnamon, and cloves blend seamlessly to deliver an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Each slice promises a tender crumb bursting with deep, nostalgic flavors that connect you to cherished baking traditions.

The delicate balance of spices ensures every bite feels like a warm embrace on a chilly afternoon.

Holiday memories or weekend treat – this cake stands ready to delight and satisfy.

Gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin.

Helpful Ideas And Tweaks For Gingerbread Cake

• Ginger-Packed Perfection: Add extra ground ginger for a more intense spice profile that tingles your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks for convenient prepare-ahead entertaining.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on rich, warm flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and spectacular spice balance for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Festive Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding orange zest or dark chocolate chips to the batter for unexpected depth and complexity that elevates this classic holiday treat.

How To Serve Gingerbread Cake With Style

• Holiday Mood Matcher: Pair this warm gingerbread cake with a cozy mug of spiced chai or mulled wine for an extra festive touch that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Seasonal Presentation Pro: Garnish with delicate sugared cranberries, sprinkle crushed candied ginger, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a gorgeous winter wonderland look that's Instagram-worthy.
• Comfort Food Companion: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the cake's rich, spicy flavors and create a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Gifting Idea Supreme: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a homemade holiday gift that spreads warmth and cheer to friends and family.

Gingerbread Cake Prep And Storage Tips

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container, preventing moisture loss and maintaining soft texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, frosted gingerbread cake stays fresh for up to 1 week inside refrigerator, ensuring cream cheese frosting remains stable.
• Freezing Techniques: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen cake maintains quality for 2-3 months when stored properly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake batter or fully baked cake 1-2 days before serving, allowing flavors to develop and reducing day-of preparation stress. Unfrosted cakes retain better texture when prepared in advance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 275 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients Breakdown For Gingerbread Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the classic gingerbread cake base.
• Ground Ginger: Delivers warm, zesty flavor that defines traditional gingerbread profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy, sweet-spicy undertone that complements ginger beautifully.
• Ground Nutmeg: Introduces subtle, earthy warmth with delicate aromatic notes.
• Ground Cloves: Contributes intense, rich spiciness that deepens overall flavor complexity.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates soft, tender crumb with perfect lightness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all spice flavors in the cake.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender cake texture with smooth, creamy foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden, caramelized exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deeper molasses undertones and incredible moisture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
• Molasses: Delivers signature dark, deep flavor characteristic of gingerbread.
• Hot Water: Helps activate spices and create smooth, well-integrated batter.

• Cream Cheese: Provides tangy, smooth base for luxurious frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, spreadable frosting with perfect sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic depth to cream cheese frosting.
• Candied Ginger: Offers extra spicy crunch and decorative touch.

Tools And Supplies For Gingerbread Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and making frosting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure baking success.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• 9×13 inch baking dish or 9-inch round cake pan: Needed for baking the cake.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool without getting soggy.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading batter and frosting.

How To Make Gingerbread Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180C. Grab your baking dish and give it a quick butter and flour massage to prevent sticking.

• Create the Dry Base

Whisk flour, warm spices, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until they’re perfectly blended.

• Whip Up the Wet Mix

Cream butter and sugars until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Drop in eggs one by one, then drizzle molasses for that rich, deep flavor.

• Blend Everything Together

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, splashing in hot water to create a silky-smooth batter.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool and Dress Up

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Optional: Whip up a dreamy cream cheese frosting and spread it generously on top.

• Serve with Style

Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle some festive touches like candied ginger, and serve alongside a steaming mug of your favorite beverage.

Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade gingerbread cake combines warm spices with rich molasses for a classic holiday dessert. Rich layers of flavor create a comforting treat you’ll want to savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) unsulfured molasses
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 package (225 g / 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Candied ginger pieces
• Cranberries
• Rosemary

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 180C (350F) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by generously greasing with butter and dusting with flour.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
3. Create Butter Base: Using an electric mixer, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation.
4. Integrate Wet Components: Blend eggs individually into the butter mixture, then pour in molasses, mixing until the batter transforms into a glossy, uniform consistency.
5. Merge Ingredients: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with hot water, stirring carefully to maintain a smooth texture without overmixing.
6. Bake Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean.
7. Cool and Prepare Frosting: Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
8. Finish and Decorate: Once completely cooled, spread cream cheese frosting across the cake’s surface. Optionally dust with powdered sugar and garnish with candied ginger, cranberries, or rosemary sprigs for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, especially for spices like ginger and cinnamon which dramatically impact flavor balance.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Don’t overmix the batter, as this develops gluten and can create a tough, dense texture. Fold ingredients gently until just combined for a tender crumb.
• Control Moisture Levels: Hot water helps activate spices and creates a more moist cake. Add water gradually and mix carefully to maintain optimal batter consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version. Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free adaptation, and use maple syrup instead of molasses for different flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg