Spiced Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

Crafting a delightful gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting brings warmth to winter kitchens.

Soft spices dance through each tender crumb, creating memories of cozy afternoons.

Layers of rich molasses complement deep ginger notes that speak to traditional baking traditions.

Comfort wafts from the oven, promising something special beyond ordinary desserts.

Fragrant ingredients blend seamlessly, turning simple mixing into culinary magic.

Seasonal spices whisper stories of comfort and connection.

Savor every bite and let this cake become your new favorite winter treat.

FAQs

• What's the key to achieving the perfect gingerbread texture?

The secret is using warm milk and molasses to help activate the spices and create a moist, tender crumb. Gently heating these ingredients helps blend the flavors more effectively.

• Can I adjust the spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can increase the ground ginger or cinnamon to boost the warm, spicy flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate balance of spices in the original recipe.

• Why does the recipe recommend letting the cake rest overnight?

Resting allows the flavors to meld and develop, creating a deeper, more complex taste. The cake also becomes more moist and develops a signature sticky top that’s characteristic of traditional gingerbread.

Why Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Warms the Soul

• Bake with Seasonal Warmth: Capture the cozy essence of winter with this gingerbread cake that fills your kitchen with comforting spice aromas and nostalgic holiday vibes.
• Master Complex Flavor Layers: Discover a sophisticated dessert that balances deep molasses richness with warming spices, creating a complex taste profile that surprises and delights every bite.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Enjoy the convenience of a cake that actually improves in flavor when rested overnight, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and advance preparation.
• Frost with Creamy Decadence: Experience a luscious cinnamon molasses frosting that transforms the cake from simple to spectacular, adding a luxurious finishing touch that elevates the entire dessert.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Signature spices that give the cake its warm, festive flavor profile.

• Milk, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, moist base that adds depth to the cake's sweetness.
• Molasses, Corn Syrup: Provides a deep, complex sweetness and contributes to the cake's signature sticky texture.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cake.
• Butter: Brings moisture and a rich, creamy flavor to the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla, Cinnamon: Enhances the frosting's flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Molasses: Adds a deep, rich flavor to the frosting.

How to Bake Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Lovingly coat a 9×5-inch baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper so your cake slides out like a dream.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice

Set this fragrant mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Melt Sugar into Milk

In a small saucepan, gently warm milk and brown sugar.

Stir until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture feels just warm to the touch.

Step 4: Warm Sticky Goodness

In another saucepan, softly heat molasses and corn syrup until they’re comfortably warm.

Step 5: Crumble Butter into Dry Mix

Chop cold butter into tiny pieces and work it into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or fork until the mixture looks like delicate breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Blend Wet and Dry Worlds

Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently.

Add the molasses mixture next, then crack in an egg. Whisk until the batter becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Enhance Flavor Overnight

Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan. Wrap it in foil and let it rest for a day.

This magic step develops an incredible sticky top.

Step 9: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until they become wonderfully creamy.

Mix in vanilla and cinnamon.

Step 10: Create Frosting Finale

Slowly add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.

Drizzle in molasses for an extra flavor punch.

Step 11: Frost and Celebrate

Chill the frosting until it’s firm.

Spread generously over the cake that’s been resting overnight. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade gingerbread masterpiece!

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Gingerbread Cake Every Time

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending and consistent texture in the cake batter.
• Swap out traditional wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing ground ginger and cinnamon according to personal taste preferences.
• Rest the cake overnight to enhance deep, rich flavors and develop a wonderfully sticky top layer.
• Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Variations to Change Up Gingerbread Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Ginger Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Spice Cake: Swap eggs with mashed banana or applesauce. Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream cheese and plant-based butter for the frosting. Select vegan molasses to maintain authentic flavor.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce corn syrup quantity and use sugar-free cream cheese for a diabetic-friendly alternative. Add extra spices to enhance natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk with almond or oat milk. Use coconut cream cheese substitute and plant-based butter. Keep traditional spice profile intact while eliminating dairy components.

Pairings That Complement Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Frosting

• Savor Spiced Wine Pairing: Grab a glass of mulled wine or warm spiced red wine to complement the gingerbread cake's deep, rich spices. The warm notes of clove and cinnamon in the wine beautifully echo the cake's intricate flavor profile.
• Brew Chai Tea Companion: Select a robust chai tea with its complex blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. This beverage matches the cake's warm spice intensity and provides a comforting, aromatic experience that enhances each delectable bite.
• Match Caramel Cream Liqueur: Pour a smooth caramel cream liqueur alongside the cake. Its sweet, buttery undertones blend seamlessly with the molasses frosting, creating a luxurious dessert moment that feels indulgent and sophisticated.

How to Store Gingerbread Cake Safely

• Wrap the gingerbread cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 4-5 days when stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Store frosted cake at room temperature for 1-2 days in a cool, dry place covered with a cake dome or loosely tented with foil, ensuring minimal moisture exposure.

Cheerful Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive holiday cheer shines through this gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting, blending warm spices and sweet nostalgia. Comforting layers of rich flavor invite winter celebrations to your table, promising delightful moments shared with loved ones.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Cake Wet Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 0.5 cup molasses
• 0.5 cup corn syrup
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 9 ounces (1.125 cups) milk
• 1 large egg

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cup butter, softened
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan, lining it with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
3. Gently heat milk and brown sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves completely and mixture becomes lukewarm.
4. Simultaneously warm molasses and corn syrup in another saucepan until they reach a similar lukewarm temperature.
5. Cut cold butter into dry ingredients using a pastry blender, creating a texture resembling fine crumbs.
6. Pour lukewarm milk mixture into dry ingredients, stirring to integrate. Add molasses mixture and egg, whisking until batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
7. Transfer batter into prepared pan, ensuring even distribution. Bake for 45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
8. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan, then remove and wrap in foil. Let rest overnight to enhance flavor complexity and develop a signature sticky top.
9. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until creamy and well-combined.
10. Incorporate vanilla and cinnamon into the mixture, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
11. Blend in molasses for depth of flavor, then refrigerate frosting until chilled.
12. Once cake has rested overnight, generously spread chilled frosting across the surface, creating an even layer.

Notes

• Swap out butter for plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version of this cozy gingerbread cake.
• Create mini cupcakes by reducing baking time to 15-20 minutes for individual serving portions that are perfect for gatherings.
• Consider storing the cake wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its incredible moisture and sticky top texture.
• Enhance the depth of flavor by toasting spices like ginger and cinnamon briefly before mixing into dry ingredients, which will intensify their warm, aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg