Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is a warm, spiced cake that perfectly captures the flavors of the holidays with its aromatic blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is the ultimate comfort dessert for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying. It’s the perfect combination of bold spices and sweet creaminess!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gingerbread Cake is moist, flavorful, and bursting with warm spices that are perfect for fall and winter. The combination of the spiced cake with the tangy, creamy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. The cake is soft and tender with a slight crumb, while the frosting adds the perfect amount of richness and sweetness to balance the spices. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, enjoying it with a cup of coffee, or treating yourself to a special dessert, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 3/4 cup molasses

• 1/2 cup hot water

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Gingerbread Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will help create a light texture for the cake.

4. Add the Egg and Molasses: Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Then, add the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Add the Hot Water: Slowly add the hot water to the batter, mixing gently until the batter becomes smooth and slightly runny.

7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

9. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

10. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and beat until fully incorporated and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (optional) and beat until fluffy.

Frost the Cake:

11. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula or butter knife. You can also pipe decorative swirls for a more polished look.

12. Serve: Slice the gingerbread cake into squares or wedges and serve. You can garnish with extra ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 slices (depending on how large you cut the pieces)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30-35 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cake batter for extra depth of flavor.

• Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy kick that complements the spices of the gingerbread.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

• Nutty Topping: Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the creamy frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover gingerbread cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake (frosting and all) for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without the frosting?

Yes, you can skip the frosting if you prefer a lighter dessert. The cake itself is delicious on its own and still retains all the classic gingerbread flavors.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. Just store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Frost it just before serving.

Can I use a different frosting for this cake?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, you could also use a simple buttercream, whipped cream, or even a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a different texture and flavor.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the gingerbread cake, either whole or in individual slices. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I make this recipe in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a different pan size. If you use a larger pan, the cake will be thinner, so adjust the baking time accordingly. If you use a smaller pan, it may take longer to bake through.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion, especially during the fall and holiday seasons. The rich, spiced cake pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting, creating a comforting and indulgent treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a cozy dessert, this cake will be a hit with everyone who tries it. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of gingerbread, spices, and cream cheese in every bite!