The holiday season isn’t complete without the warm, cozy aroma of gingerbread cake wafting through your home. This moist, spiced cake topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting is the quintessential winter dessert. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or craving a nostalgic slice with your evening tea, this gingerbread cake promises to deliver a delightful blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Read on for the full recipe, complete with expert tips to ensure your cake turns out flawless every time.
Ingredients: The Secret to Gingerbread Bliss
For the Gingerbread Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring it holds together without being too dense.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spiced flavors.
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the spice mix.
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger: The star of the show, bringing a signature zing.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Intensifies the spiced aroma with its rich, earthy undertones.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle nutty sweetness to round out the spices.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its moist texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cake tender.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- 1 cup molasses: Infuses the cake with a deep, robust sweetness that defines gingerbread.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce: Reduces the need for extra fat while keeping the cake moist.
- 1 cup hot water: Activates the baking soda and helps to blend the flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 box (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened): The perfect balance of tangy and creamy.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Enhances the frosting's silky texture.
- 1 pinch of salt: Elevates the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of aromatic sweetness.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Creates the classic smooth and fluffy frosting consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8×11 inch baking dish thoroughly, or use a baking spray with flour for easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Using a mixer, cream the brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This step ensures the cake's texture is smooth and tender.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
- Stir in the egg, molasses, and applesauce until well mixed.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually
- Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in four intervals, stirring gently after each addition to avoid overmixing.
6. Add the Hot Water
- Slowly stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and combined. This step ensures the cake is moist and evenly spiced.
7. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Mix in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Add the powdered sugar in four intervals, blending well after each addition.
9. Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate any leftovers to keep the frosting firm.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Cake
- Grease Your Pan Well: Avoid sticking by using a baking spray with flour or greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently after adding the dry ingredients to prevent a dense cake.
- Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake at the 40-minute mark with a toothpick.
- Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off—patience is key!
Serving Suggestions
Pair a slice of this gingerbread cake with:
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- A hot cup of chai or coffee to complement the spiced flavors.
- Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel for added flair.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between warm, spiced notes and rich sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table. The addition of unsweetened applesauce ensures a moist crumb, while the cream cheese frosting offers a tangy contrast to the deeply spiced cake. Best of all, it’s simple enough to whip up for any occasion yet elegant enough to be the centerpiece of your dessert spread.
Make It Today!
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a first-time enthusiast, this gingerbread cake recipe is your ticket to holiday baking success. Try it now and make every bite unforgettable!