Christmas gingerbread cake creamy has always been the scent of pure holiday magic in my home. I can vividly remember my grandmother pulling this beautiful spiced cake from her oven, the aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves filling every corner of the house. The way the sweet, creamy vanilla glaze dripped down the sides was almost as delightful as the first warm bite. Making this Christmas gingerbread cake recipe myself now brings back all those cherished memories. It’s truly the best way to capture the cozy, festive spirit of the season. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Gingerbread Cake
This festive cake is a holiday showstopper for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s destined to become your new favorite:
- Incredibly moist and tender crumb
- Bursting with warm, comforting holiday spices
- The perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors
- Topped with a dreamy, luscious creamy gingerbread cake with frosting
- It’s a wonderfully moist gingerbread cake for holidays that stays fresh for days
- Simple enough for a weeknight bake, elegant enough for guests
- The aroma alone will fill your home with Christmas cheer
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages
Ingredients for Your Festive Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious homemade gingerbread cake recipe. The combination of warm spices and rich molasses is what makes this cake so special for the holidays.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of our cake
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger – for that classic gingerbread warmth
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – a quintessential holiday spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – adds a deep, aromatic note
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cake rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – provides richness and tenderness
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor
- 1/2 cup molasses – this is key for that deep gingerbread flavor and color
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together
- 1 cup buttermilk – crucial for a tender and moist crumb
- For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar – the base for our smooth glaze
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the sweetness
- 3 tablespoons milk or cream – to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency
How to Make the Best Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy
Getting this delicious cake into your oven is easier than you might think! Follow these steps for a truly memorable holiday treat.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to generously grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan. This is a crucial step for any good Christmas spiced cake recipe to ensure your cake releases beautifully.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make sure everything is well combined for even distribution of flavors throughout the batter.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and 1 cup brown sugar, packed together at medium speed. Continue beating for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy – this aeration is key to a tender cake.
- Step 4: Stir in the 1/2 cup molasses until combined. Then, add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Step 5: Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the 1 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared 9-inch round pan. This will be an easy Christmas gingerbread cake to bake! Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The aroma will be incredible!
Crafting the Perfect Creamy Vanilla Glaze
While your cake is cooling, whip up the luscious glaze. This smooth, sweet topping is what takes our cake to the next level. It’s a wonderful alternative if you’re not looking for a heavy gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting, offering a lighter, yet equally delicious, finish.
- Step 7: In a clean bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons milk or cream. Continue whisking until the glaze is completely smooth, free of lumps, and reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Step 8: Once the cake has cooled in the pan for about 10 minutes, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, place the cake on a serving plate or keep it on the wire rack with parchment underneath.
- Step 9: Generously pour the prepared vanilla glaze over the top of the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for that beautiful, rustic look. This is how you achieve a truly creamy gingerbread cake. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy
Elevate your baking game with these simple tips to ensure a perfect cake every time. These little tricks make a big difference in achieving that wonderful holiday flavor and texture.
- Use good quality molasses for the best depth of flavor. Blackstrap molasses will give a stronger, more intense taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added; this is key to a tender crumb.
- Ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Gingerbread Cake?
The magic lies in the balance of spices and the moisture from the molasses and buttermilk. For a truly rich and creamy gingerbread cake, don’t skimp on the butter and brown sugar creaming step; it adds essential air and tenderness.
Can I make Christmas Gingerbread Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it, unfrosted, at room temperature. Prepare the glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and appearance.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Gingerbread Cake?
Don’t overbake, or it will be dry! Check with a toothpick around 25 minutes. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening. Overmixing the batter is another pitfall to avoid for a tender texture.
Best Ways to Serve Your Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy
This delightful cake is perfect on its own, but I love dressing it up a bit for the holidays. Serving it warm is always a treat, especially on a chilly evening. For an extra special touch, consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a slice. It truly elevates this spiced gingerbread cake Christmas dessert.
You could also pair it with a warm cup of spiced cider or a rich hot chocolate. For a more decadent experience, a drizzle of caramel sauce over the existing glaze adds another layer of flavor. It’s versatile enough for a casual coffee break or a formal holiday gathering.
Nutrition Facts for Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy
Here are the estimated nutritional values for one slice of our delightful Christmas gingerbread cake. Please remember these are approximate as ingredient variations can affect the final numbers.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.
How to Store and Reheat Your Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy
Properly storing your cake ensures it remains a delicious treat throughout the holiday season. This beautiful gingerbread cake for winter holidays can be enjoyed for days after baking if handled with care.
First, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, you can store it unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve already glazed it, an airtight container is still best. For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy holiday planners.
To reheat, if frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you wish to serve it warm, gently reheat individual slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave on low power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy
What is a Christmas gingerbread cake?
A Christmas gingerbread cake is a moist, spiced cake traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. It’s rich with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, often sweetened with molasses and brown sugar. My grandmother’s recipe for this Christmas gingerbread cake recipe always includes a sweet, creamy glaze, making it a perfect festive dessert.
Why is gingerbread cake popular at Christmas?
Gingerbread cake’s popularity at Christmas stems from its warm spices, which evoke cozy winter feelings and holiday traditions. The aroma alone is synonymous with the season! It’s a comforting, festive treat that families have enjoyed for generations. This easy Christmas gingerbread cake brings that beloved tradition right to your kitchen.
Can I make Christmas Gingerbread Cake with cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
Absolutely! While I adore the simple vanilla glaze, a tangy cream cheese frosting is a fantastic alternative. It complements the spiced cake beautifully, offering a different kind of richness. Many people love a creamy gingerbread cake with frosting, and it’s a wonderful way to customize this holiday favorite.
How do I ensure my gingerbread cake is moist?
The key to a wonderfully moist cake is not to overbake it! Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Also, ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and buttermilk in this homemade gingerbread cake recipe contribute significantly to its tender texture and moisture. Don’t be afraid of slightly underbaking; the residual heat will finish the cooking.
Variations of Gingerbread Cake for the Holidays
While this classic Christmas gingerbread cake creamy recipe is wonderful as is, I love exploring different ways to make it even more special. These festive gingerbread cake ideas can help you adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. You might need to add a touch more liquid if the batter seems too thick. This ensures everyone can enjoy a slice of this holiday treat.
- Bundt Pan Beauty: For a stunning presentation, bake this in a well-greased and floured bundt pan. The intricate shape makes a beautiful centerpiece. This is a fantastic way to achieve a lovely holiday gingerbread cake with glaze that cascades down the sides. Baking time might increase slightly, so keep an eye on it.
- Molasses-Free Option: If molasses isn’t your favorite, try substituting it with an equal amount of dark brown sugar and a tablespoon of prune puree or apple butter for similar moisture and depth of flavor. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Spiced Bundt Cake: Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of cardamom or a bit more ginger. You can also incorporate finely chopped candied ginger into the batter for little bursts of spicy sweetness.
Christmas Gingerbread Cake Creamy: 1 Magical Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Gingerbread Cake with Creamy Vanilla Glaze is a festive and comforting dessert, perfect for the holiday season. The cake is rich with molasses and warm spices, topped with a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings classic holiday flavors to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup Molasses
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons Milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat unsalted butter and brown sugar at medium speed for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add Molasses & Eggs: Stir in molasses, then add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Bake Cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth and free of lumps.
- Glaze the Cake: Place the cooled cake on a wire rack and pour the glaze over the top.
Notes
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of festive colored sugar or chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.
- This recipe contains molasses, eggs, and dairy, so it’s not suitable for pets or those with allergies to these ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg