Festive Gingerbread Cake

Festive Gingerbread Cake

Festive Gingerbread Cake is a delightful holiday treat that brings warmth and joy into your kitchen. This decadent cake is rich in spices and infused with the sweetness of molasses, making it a perfect centerpiece for your festive gatherings. With its aromatic scent spilling through the air, it elicits fond memories of cozy winter nights and holiday celebrations. This recipe is not only mouthwatering but also simple to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can create this scrumptious treat with ease. Get ready for a step-by-step journey that transforms basic ingredients into a holiday masterpiece that can enhance your festive experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for those who want to create a festive treat without spending hours in the kitchen. The Festive Gingerbread Cake requires minimal ingredients, which are likely already in your pantry, making it both convenient and economical. This cake is family-friendly, perfect for gatherings, and a delightful way to introduce children to baking. Traditional in its flavor, yet simple in its preparation, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, the satisfaction of sharing this gorgeous cake with friends and family is unparalleled.

Ingredients for Festive Gingerbread Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it a soft and fluffy texture.
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Offers a warm, spicy note that defines the gingerbread experience.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet and comforting aroma, enhancing the flavor profile.
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves: Imparts a deep, rich spice that balances the sweetness of the molasses.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise, contributing to its perfect texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed: Provides deep flavor and moistness.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together for a perfectly cohesive batter.
• 1 cup molasses: The star ingredient, offering a deep, sweet flavor.
• 1/2 cup hot water: Helps to dissolve the molasses, making it easier to incorporate.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the frosting, giving it a sweet and creamy finish.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the frosting.
• 2 tbsp milk: Creates a smooth consistency for the frosting.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness and aroma of the frosting.

Step-by-Step Directions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily once baked.

2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This aroma of spices will start to excite your taste buds.

3️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for your cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then pour in the molasses and combine until smooth.

4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. This method helps keep the batter smooth and aerated, allowing for a light and fluffy cake.

5️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6️⃣ Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

7️⃣ For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Once the cake has cooled, frost it generously with the sweet mixture. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure a moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. This keeps the cake tender and light.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with adding nutmeg or allspice for variation in spice levels.
• Decorative Touches: Add holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosting for an extra festive flair.
• Use fresh spices instead of store-bought for a more robust flavor profile.
• Test for doneness by gently pressing the top of the cake; if it springs back, it’s ready!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve slices of your Festive Gingerbread Cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures. Pair it with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot chocolate infused with cinnamon for that extra cozy vibe. You can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, like oranges or pomegranates, which adds a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the richness of the cake.

Nutritional Information

This cake is a wonderful option during the holiday season, albeit indulgent. A single slice typically contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the serving size and frosting. It’s rich in carbohydrates due to the molasses and sugar content, and the buttery frosting adds to the richer elements of this treat. Enjoy in moderation, especially since this cake can be a wonderful indulgence during the festive season.

Storing Tips & Variations for Festive Gingerbread Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze slices for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds or let it thaw at room temperature. For healthier swaps, consider using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar slightly. You can also try adding nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion for Festive Gingerbread Cake

Don’t wait any longer to indulge in this delightful Festive Gingerbread Cake. Its rich flavors and comforting spices will surely become a holiday tradition in your home. Get your family involved, gather your ingredients, and start baking memories that will last a lifetime. Your holiday celebrations are just a recipe away!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The Festive Gingerbread Cake can be made a day in advance. Simply store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.

2. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, or maple syrup in place of molasses for a different flavor profile.

3. How long does this cake last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to three days at room temperature and up to three months in the freezer.

4. Can I frost the cake with something other than buttercream?
Yes! Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream is a delicious alternative that pairs beautifully with the flavors of gingerbread.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt this recipe to be vegan by using flax eggs in place of regular eggs, and substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Festive Gingerbread Cake

A delightful holiday treat infused with warm spices and molasses, perfect for festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Baked Goods, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 275

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of the cake, giving it a soft and fluffy texture.
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger Offers a warm, spicy note that defines the gingerbread experience.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon Adds a sweet and comforting aroma, enhancing the flavor profile.
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves Imparts a deep, rich spice that balances the sweetness of the molasses.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda Helps the cake rise, contributing to its perfect texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed Provides deep flavor and moistness.
• 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients together for a perfectly cohesive batter.
• 1 cup molasses The star ingredient, offering a deep, sweet flavor.
• 1/2 cup hot water Helps to dissolve the molasses, making it easier to incorporate.

For the frosting

• 1 cup powdered sugar For the frosting, giving it a sweet and creamy finish.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened Adds richness to the frosting.
• 2 tbsp milk Creates a smooth consistency for the frosting.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Elevates the sweetness and aroma of the frosting.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then pour in the molasses and combine until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Frosting

1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Frost the cooled cake generously.

Notes

To ensure a moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Spice variations include nutmeg or allspice for different flavor profiles. Use fresh spices instead of store-bought for a more robust flavor.