Hook: Warm spices, rich molasses, and creamy cinnamon frosting — this Gingerbread Cake is the essence of Christmas in every bite! Perfectly moist, comforting, and festive enough for any holiday table.
🕒 Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 9–12 slices
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water or strong brewed coffee (for depth of flavor)
For the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in molasses.
4. Combine Wet & Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water (or coffee). Stir gently until smooth — the batter will be thin.
5. Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
🍯 Cinnamon Molasses Frosting
1. Beat the Base
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Flavor & Sweeten
Add molasses, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt; beat again. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fluffy and spreadable.
3. Frost & Serve
Spread generously over the cooled cake. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or crushed gingersnaps for a festive finish.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip the coffee: It enhances the deep, caramel-like flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly for both cake and frosting.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake a day early, wrap tightly, and frost just before serving.
❄️ Storage
- Store frosted cake in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the creamiest frosting texture.
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use blackstrap molasses?
A: It’s more bitter — for best flavor, use regular unsulfured molasses.
Q: Can I make cupcakes instead?
A: Yes! Bake for 18–20 minutes in a lined muffin tin.
Q: What pairs well with this cake?
A: Hot cocoa, chai tea, or spiced cider make the perfect cozy pairing!
