This moist and fluffy Gingerbread Cake recipe captures all the best flavors of the season! The tender cake is made with molasses and warm spices and is topped with a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting – the ultimate holiday treat! Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night at home!
Can’t get enough gingerbread? You’ll want to try my Gingerbread Truffles, Ginger Molasses Cookies and Slow Cooker Gingerbread Mocha too!
Gingerbread Cake Recipe
This gingerbread cake has quickly become a must-make in our family’s holiday dessert lineup. The quintessential blend of ginger, cinnamon and molasses in the cake pairs perfectly with the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Each bite has a balance of warm spices and creamy sweetness that’s just irresistible!
I simply can’t resist the warm and cozy smell of gingerbread baking in the oven. There’s something so nostalgic about the rich, spiced aroma filling the house. It instantly takes me back to chilly winter nights, bundling up in blankets and enjoying sweet treats, like a slice of this cake, around the fireplace with loved ones.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s both easy to make and a showstopper on the dessert table. It’s moist and fluffy with just a touch of decadence from the tangy cream cheese frosting spread on top. There’s something so comforting about sharing a slice of this cake with friends and family, especially during the holidays.
Whether you’re baking it for a party or you just want to enjoy a slice for yourself while watching your favorite Christmas movies, I can guarantee this gingerbread cake will definitely become a favorite tradition in your home, too!
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Nothing says cozy holiday vibes quite like the warm, spiced aroma of gingerbread cake baking in the oven! Here’s why you’ll love this easy gingerbread cake recipe:
- Irresistible Flavor: The cake has a cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses that pairs perfectly with the decadent, tangy cream cheese frosting. Each bite has a balance of warm spices and creamy sweetness that’s just irresistible!
- Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve: This gingerbread cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients, yet it looks stunning once it’s frosted. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress guests and family alike, and it’s almost effortless to make!
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Who can resist the nostalgic taste of gingerbread during the holidays? This dessert is always a hit at parties!
How to Make Gingerbread Cake
Making this gingerbread cake is as easy as it is delicious! With a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll mix up a warmly spiced batter that bakes into a moist, fluffy cake perfect for the holidays. Once cooled, it’s topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that brings out the rich flavors of molasses and ginger.
As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Gingerbread Cake
- Combine eggs and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Beat together until combined.
- Mix in the buttermilk, molasses and vegetable oil.
- Add the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and salt.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Combine butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat together the until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. If desired, sprinkle the top with gingerbread cookies or sprinkle with ginger or cinnamon for garnish.
For a holiday party, consider cutting the cake into small squares for easy, grab-and-go portions. This makes it easier for guests to serve themselves and also looks great on a dessert platter!
Storage Information
- Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the cake within a few hours, you can leave it out at room temperature. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Freezer: To freeze, cut the cake into individual slices and wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit out at room temperature for a bit before serving.
Variations to Try
- Incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for a fun flavor twist. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the spiced cake.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle some on top of the cream cheese frosting for a beautiful finish.
- Add applesauce or diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist that also keeps the cake moist.
- Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the batter for a more complex flavor.
- Add some lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting for a refreshing citrus flavor that surprisingly pairs really well with gingerbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different frosting for this cake?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, you can also try whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or a simple vanilla buttercream if you prefer.
What spices can I add to enhance the flavor?
In addition to ginger and cinnamon, you can add cloves, nutmeg, or allspice to deepen the flavor profile of the cake. Adjust the amounts according to your personal preference.
Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting and increase the cream cheese slightly for a tangier, less sweet frosting. Alternatively, you can use a whipped cream frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar instead of the traditional cream cheese frosting.
What can I do if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
You can bake the cake in two 8-inch round pans or a similar-sized pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller pans may need less time, so start checking for doneness earlier.
Can I add spices to the frosting?
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger to the frosting for an extra spice kick that complements the flavors of the cake.
Trish’s Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh spices instead of old ones. Ground spices can lose their potency over time, so check the expiration date and consider purchasing new spices if yours are a bit stale.
- Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and frosting, resulting in a better texture.
- Using unsulphured molasses will give a milder flavor compared to blackstrap molasses, which can be quite strong and bitter. Choose according to your taste preference.
- When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. Cooling in the pan on a wire rack helps air circulate and speeds up the cooling process.
- If your cream cheese frosting is too soft to spread, refrigerate it for a short time until it thickens up a bit. This will make it easier to work with.
- For an impressive presentation, consider baking the gingerbread in two round cake pans and stacking them with cream cheese frosting in between for a layered cake.
- Top the frosted cake with a dusting of cinnamon or ginger and some mini gingerbread men to create a beautiful cake that no one can resist!
More Holiday Cakes to Try
- Peppermint Cake
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Layer Cake
- Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar packed (or dark brown sugar)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsulphured molasses see notes
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Decoration
- gingerbread men
- ground cinnamon or ground ginger, dusted on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and brown sugar. Add in the buttermilk, molasses and vegetable oil until well combined.3 large eggs, 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, 1 cup buttermilk, ½ cup unsulphured molasses, ½ cup vegetable oil
- Slowly add the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and salt, mixing until just combined.2 cups all purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt and heavy cream until the frosting is light and fluffy.½ cup unsalted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese, 4 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If desired, add some gingerbread men and sprinkle the top with a little extra ginger or cinnamon for garnish.gingerbread men, ground cinnamon
Notes
Storage Information Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the cake within a few hours, you can leave it out at room temperature. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor. Freezer: To freeze, cut the cake into individual slices and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit out at room temperature for a bit before serving.
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