Description
This moist and tender gingerbread cake is packed with warm holiday spices and layered with a rich cinnamon molasses cream cheese frosting. It’s a festive dessert perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cozy winter celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add molasses and mix until smooth.
- Beat in the egg until fully combined. Reduce speed to low and alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting is thick and spreadable. Chill if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost the top and sides.
- Decorate with piped frosting swirls and a sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar, if desired.
- Let the cake come to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use unsulfured molasses for balanced flavor.
- Ensure spices are fresh for the best taste.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months.
- Fold in whipped cream to lighten the frosting if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg