Description
This moist and spiced gingerbread cake is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it the perfect holiday dessert. With warm spices, molasses, and a soft crumb, it’s festive, comforting, and easy to make.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with hot water, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake before slicing and serving.
Notes
Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Double the ground ginger for a spicier flavor.
Top with crushed gingersnaps or candied ginger for a festive touch.
Can be baked in round pans for a layered version.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
Unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
