Festive Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

My latest kitchen adventure with gingerbread cake has become a delightful winter obsession that warms every corner of my home.

Sweet aromas of warm spices drift through the rooms, promising comfort in each tender slice.

Cozy afternoons call for something special that feels like a delicate embrace.

Rich molasses and fragrant cinnamon create a magical combination that dances across your taste buds.

Layers of soft cake promise pure indulgence with every forkful.

Baking this treat connects generations through a classic dessert that never disappoints.

Common Inquiries About Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• What gives this gingerbread cake its rich, deep flavor?

The combination of molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, complex taste that is quintessentially gingerbread, providing a deeply aromatic and spicy profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who are not experienced bakers?

Yes, this gingerbread cake is quite straightforward and forgiving. The recipe requires basic mixing techniques and standard baking tools, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. The cake stays moist and actually develops more intense flavors when made a day in advance, making it perfect for preparing before a gathering or event.

What Makes Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Special

• Spice Up Your Baking: Dive into a world of warm, comforting flavors that dance on your taste buds with this gingerbread cake packed with aromatic spices.
• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dessert nights, this cake brings people together with its irresistible homemade charm.
• Beginner-Friendly Delight: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to seasoned home cook.
• Frost with Love: The cinnamon molasses frosting adds a luxurious touch that transforms this cake from good to absolutely spectacular, creating a dessert that looks and tastes impressive.

Ingredients Checklist For Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the gingerbread cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create the signature gingerbread flavor and aroma.

• Molasses, Brown Sugar: Rich sweeteners that add deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains tender and prevents dryness.
• Hot Water: Helps to bloom the spices and integrate the ingredients smoothly.
• Egg: Provides binding and structure to the cake batter.

How To Prepare Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9-inch round cake pan and give it a generous coat of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Dark molasses
• Steaming hot water
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar
• Fresh egg

Whisk these ingredients until they’re dancing together in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until you have a silky, smooth batter with no lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into your prepared cake pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to frost later.

Pro Suggestions For Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Swap vegetable oil with applesauce for a healthier, lower-fat version of this classic gingerbread cake.
• Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.
• Ensure cake moisture by not overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense texture.
• Create a gluten-free alternative by using a 1: 1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft, tender crumb.

Flavor Swaps For Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Spiced Chocolate Gingerbread: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version of the classic gingerbread cake.
• Nutty Ginger Delight: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top of the frosting for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Citrus Zest Gingerbread: Mix in orange or lemon zest to the wet ingredients and replace half the water with fresh citrus juice to brighten the cake's traditional warm spices.
• Apple Ginger Fusion: Fold in finely diced fresh apples or replace some of the oil with applesauce to create a moist, fruity variation of the classic gingerbread cake.

Pairing Ideas For Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Savor Spicy-Sweet Beverage Pairing: Warm chai tea complements the gingerbread cake's deep, warm spices and creates a cozy flavor harmony.
• Enhance Dessert Complement: Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the cake's rich, spicy profile and balances the intense molasses notes.
• Create Delightful Wine Match: Late harvest Riesling offers a sweet, slightly acidic accompaniment that highlights the cake's complex ginger and cinnamon undertones.
• Boost Flavor Experience: Dark roast coffee with a touch of cream intensifies the cake's warm spices and creates a sophisticated dessert moment.

Storage Recommendations For Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Slice cake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cover cake loosely with clean kitchen towel. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, place slice on baking sheet and warm in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through.

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm spices dance through this irresistible Gingerbread Cake, creating a holiday masterpiece crowned with silky cinnamon molasses frosting. Seasonal comfort wraps you in sweet memories of festive gatherings and cherished family traditions.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Sweeteners and Binding:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, ensuring smooth cake release.
2. Sift together dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform blend of flour, leavening agents, warm spices, and seasoning.
3. Whisk liquid components in a separate vessel, combining rich molasses with steaming water, creating a deep, complex syrup-like mixture.
4. Incorporate vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and egg into the molasses liquid, mixing until smooth and homogeneous.
5. Gently fold liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain cake’s tender texture.
6. Transfer batter into prepared pan, ensuring even distribution for consistent baking.
7. Roast in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a slender wooden pick that emerges without raw batter.
8. Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes, releasing initial steam and preventing structural collapse.
9. Carefully transfer to wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction before frosting or serving.

Notes

• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender.
• Add a sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger on top of the frosting for an extra burst of warmth and texture that elevates the cake’s flavor profile.
• Adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing ground ginger and cinnamon to suit personal taste preferences, allowing for a more personalized baking experience.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend its freshness and maintain its delightful moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 213 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 153 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg