The Best Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

Crafting a delightful gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting transports you to cozy winter kitchens filled with warmth and nostalgia.

Festive aromas drift through the house, promising something magical.

Soft spices dance alongside rich molasses, creating layers of comforting flavor.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through traditional holiday memories.

Hints of ginger and nutmeg whisper sweet stories of grandmother’s cherished recipes.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish that makes this dessert irresistible.

Bake this cake and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Classic spices that give the gingerbread cake its signature warm and aromatic flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist and tender cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.
• Molasses: Gives the cake its deep, dark color and characteristic gingerbread flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the cake's structure.
• Hot Water: Helps create a smooth and well-combined batter.

• Cinnamon, Molasses: Provide a complementary spiced and sweet flavor to the cake's frosting.

How To Make Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and give it a friendly coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Foundations

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

Blend until everything looks evenly mixed and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Butter Harmony

In a spacious bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Use an electric mixer for smooth magic.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Sweetness

Pour in molasses and crack an egg into the buttery mixture. Mix until everything dances together beautifully.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Elements

Slowly add your dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Bring Moisture Magic

Pour in hot water and stir until your batter looks silky and smooth.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter into your prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cooling and Decorating

Let your cake cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures perfect decoration.

Tips For Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, even cake texture.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for better ingredient incorporation and a lighter cake crumb.
• Add hot water slowly to create a moist, tender gingerbread cake that doesn't become dense or heavy.
• Choose unsulphured molasses for a cleaner, more balanced sweetness in the cake's flavor profile.
• Test cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when fully baked, not leave an indentation.

New Ways To Enjoy Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Spiced Pumpkin Gingerbread: Replace half the flour with pumpkin puree and add extra ground nutmeg for a seasonal autumn version.
• Chocolate Ginger Cake: Mix in dark cocoa powder and add chocolate chips to create a rich, decadent chocolate variation.
• Gluten-Free Ginger Option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Nutty Ginger Crunch: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top of the frosting for extra texture.

Pairings That Suit Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Latte: A creamy, spiced tea that echoes the cake's warm ginger and cinnamon notes, creating a comforting flavor harmony that elevates the dessert experience.
• Match with Caramel Apple Cider: The sweet-tart apple and rich caramel undertones complement the cake's molasses depth, providing a delightful contrast to the spicy gingerbread profile.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream cuts through the cake's intense warmth, delivering a classic dessert pairing that balances temperature and texture.
• Accompany with Mulled Red Wine: A festive, spice-infused wine that shares similar warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, enhancing the cake's robust winter flavor palette.

How To Store Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Store cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep frosting intact by gently placing plastic wrap directly on the cake's surface.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual cake slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Questions On Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• What makes the gingerbread cake moist?

Hot water is added to the batter, which helps create a tender and soft texture by hydrating the dry ingredients and preventing the cake from becoming too dense.

• Can I substitute the molasses?

Molasses is key to the traditional gingerbread flavor, but you can use dark corn syrup or honey as alternatives, though the taste will be slightly different from the classic recipe.

• How do I know if the spices are fresh?

Check the expiration date on your spice containers. Ground spices typically last 1-2 years. If they’ve lost their strong aroma, it’s time to replace them for the best gingerbread flavor.

What Makes Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Cozy

• Celebrate Seasonal Warmth: Dive into a cozy dessert that captures the heart of winter with its rich, spicy gingerbread flavors and comforting aroma.
• Master Baking with Ease: Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this recipe offers simple steps and foolproof techniques that guarantee a delicious result every single time.
• Family Gathering Showstopper: Impress your loved ones with a stunning cake that brings everyone together, creating memorable moments around the table with its irresistible taste and inviting presentation.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or a special weekend treat, this gingerbread cake adapts to any occasion and always receives rave reviews from guests.

Jolly Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday memories come alive with Gingerbread Cake, a nostalgic dessert blending warm spices and rich molasses. Creamy cinnamon frosting crowns this classic treat, inviting you to savor each festive, comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (470 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Leavening and Sweetener:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×9 inch pan with grease and flour coating.
2. Sift together all dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and develops a pale, fluffy texture.
4. Incorporate molasses and egg into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until the ingredients are fully integrated and smooth.
5. Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Pour hot water into the batter, stirring carefully to create a uniform, silky consistency.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure smooth surface and consistent depth.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, allowing it to settle and reach room temperature.
10. Once fully cooled, apply cinnamon molasses frosting evenly across the cake’s surface, creating a smooth and decorative finish.

Notes

• Precision matters when measuring spices to ensure the perfect balance of warm, festive flavors in every bite.
• Bring ingredients like butter, egg, and molasses to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly textured cake.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, allowing the spices to develop a richer, more complex taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 256 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg