Gingerbread Cake

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Rich with warm spices and deep molasses flavor, this Gingerbread Cake is the coziest dessert for the holiday season or a chilly evening in. Each bite melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and the cream cheese frosting on top adds a luscious, tangy finish. Topped with sugared cranberries and fresh herbs for a festive touch, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

The texture is dense yet incredibly moist, thanks to the use of dark brown sugar and sour cream. Whether you’re serving it as the centerpiece at a winter gathering or just treating yourself to a midweek bake, this cake delivers the comforting aroma and taste of classic homemade gingerbread.

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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake

This cake brings all the comforting notes of gingerbread cookies into a tender, sliceable dessert. It’s simple enough to whip up for a weekday treat but impressive enough to serve at your next holiday dinner. The cream cheese frosting pairs so well with the warmly spiced cake, and the beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper. Plus, it stays moist for days, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

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What Kind of Molasses Should I Use for Gingerbread Cake?

For the best flavor and color, use unsulphured dark molasses. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter for baking. Dark molasses lends that deep caramelized richness and enhances the spice blend. If you’re ever unsure, look for “baking molasses” on the label for the right choice.

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Ingredients for the Gingerbread Cake

Each ingredient in this recipe brings essential flavor and texture to the cake:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and balances the wet ingredients.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• Ground ginger: The star spice of the recipe, adding warm and slightly peppery flavor.
• Ground cinnamon & cloves: Boost the spice profile with cozy, earthy notes.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
• Dark brown sugar: Gives the cake a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the soft texture.
• Dark molasses: Brings the classic gingerbread flavor and dark color.
• Sour cream: Keeps the crumb tender and moist.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm background note.
• Cream cheese frosting: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect complement to the spiced cake.

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How To Make the Gingerbread Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square 9-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This gives the cake a good base texture.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then mix in the molasses, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Decorate with sugared cranberries and herbs if desired.

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How to Serve and Store This Gingerbread Cake

This gingerbread cake serves 9 generous pieces or up to 12 smaller slices, making it ideal for sharing. It’s delicious at room temperature or slightly warmed, and even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. For serving, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate it further.

To store, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfrosted slices for up to 2 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost fresh.

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What to Serve With Gingerbread Cake?

Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, spicy cake.

Hot Apple Cider

The warm spices in cider mirror those in the cake, creating a comforting pairing perfect for fall and winter.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts over the warm cake for a dreamy dessert experience.

Fresh Berries

Bright and slightly tart berries cut through the richness and add a fresh note.

Spiced Tea

A cinnamon or chai tea is a soothing and spice-enhancing beverage choice.

Coffee

A dark roast or espresso-based drink balances the sweetness with a bold kick.

Maple Syrup Drizzle

A light drizzle of maple syrup adds a rustic sweetness that complements the molasses.

Toasted Pecans

For crunch and a nutty balance, sprinkle some toasted pecans over the frosting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better a day after baking as the flavors have more time to meld. Bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I substitute the sour cream?
Absolutely. You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute. Just make sure to use full-fat versions for the best texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to frost the cake?
No, it’s optional. The cake is delicious on its own, but the cream cheese frosting adds extra indulgence. A dusting of powdered sugar works as a simpler topping too.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The cake may be slightly more delicate, but still tasty.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go traditional or add a twist? Maybe a splash of orange zest or a layer of caramel?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.
For more cozy seasonal treats, visit my Pinterest board at Meals We Share By Sally.

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Conclusion

This gingerbread cake brings warmth and charm to any table. Moist, spiced to perfection, and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a nostalgic favorite with a modern twist. Whether you’re baking for guests or just indulging in a quiet moment with tea and cake, this recipe delivers festive comfort every time.

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