Description

This Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for the holiday season or anytime you’re craving a rich, spiced treat. The cake is moist, flavorful, and full of the warming spices that define gingerbread—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—while the molasses cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, creamy touch that brings everything together beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup unsulfured molasses

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup molasses

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and hot water. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the molasses and vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Once the cake is completely cooled, frost the top with the molasses cream cheese frosting.
Slice and serve. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread with the creamy, sweet frosting!

Notes

This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly and frost it just before serving for the best texture.

The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze it without the frosting. Frost it after thawing for best results.

If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the amount of ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to your liking.

You can substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be different.

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg