Dreamy Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

This luscious gingerbread cake delivers warmth straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Cozy spices dance through each tender crumb, promising comfort in every bite.

Nostalgic memories of winter afternoons swirl with rich molasses and deep cinnamon notes.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, beckoning everyone to the table.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic dessert, blending traditional ingredients with modern flair.

Dark and complex flavor profiles make this cake more than a simple treat.

Unexpected hints of ginger and nutmeg create a sensational experience you won’t forget.

Bake this cake and watch magic unfold before your eyes.

Why Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Tastes Like The Holidays

• Comfort in Every Bite: Indulge in a warm, spicy gingerbread cake that wraps you in cozy autumn flavors, perfect for creating instant nostalgic moments with family and friends.
• Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: Whip up this delightful dessert in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Sensational Seasonal Texture Fusion: Experience a delightful combination of moist, tender cake with creamy, rich cinnamon molasses frosting that delivers a perfect balance of softness and smooth decadence.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a harmonious blend of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that create a festive taste profile perfect for holiday gatherings and cool weather celebrations.

What Goes Into Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Flour: The base of the cake, provides structure and texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create classic gingerbread flavor, use fresh ground spices for best results.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture, best when softened at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure.
• Molasses: Gives deep, rich flavor and dark color, use unsulphured molasses for best taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds slight tanginess.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for frosting, ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken frosting.
• Molasses, Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor and warmth to the frosting.

How To Bake Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk everything together until they’re best friends. Set the bowl aside and get ready for the next adventure.

Step 3: Create A Butter Wonderland

Pull out your electric mixer and a large bowl. Dump in softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat these ingredients like you’re creating magic – keep going until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and absolutely dreamy.

Step 4: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Time to make things interesting! Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Pour in molasses and vanilla extract, blending until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Marry The Ingredients

Slowly introduce your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Pour in buttermilk between flour additions. Stir gently – we want a harmonious batter, not a beaten one!

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Whip Up Incredible Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Add molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches spreadable heaven.

Step 8: Dress The Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread that delicious frosting across the top. Want extra flair? Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies, dust with cinnamon, or add cinnamon sticks.

Step 9: Slice And Enjoy

Cut into beautiful squares and serve at room temperature. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!

Tips For Moist Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Boost Moisture Magic: Add an extra tablespoon of molasses to enhance the cake's rich, deep flavor and keep it incredibly soft and tender.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust ground spices according to personal preference, increasing ginger for more warmth or reducing cloves for a milder taste.
• Perfect Frosting Consistency: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
• Make Ahead Genius: Bake the cake a day in advance and store covered at room temperature to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

How To Store Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air can penetrate the wrapping.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For room temperature serving, take the cake out 30 minutes before eating to soften the frosting.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1015 seconds on medium power. For best texture, avoid overheating, which can make the cake dry and tough.

Perfect Matches For Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: A spicy, creamy chai latte complements the gingerbread cake's warm spices, creating a cozy flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the cake's rich, warm spices, balancing the dessert with a cool, smooth texture.
• Match with Caramel Apple Cider: The sweet-tart notes of caramel apple cider enhance the cake's molasses and spice profile, offering a festive and comforting drink pairing.
• Enjoy with Spiced Rum Toddy: A warm spiced rum toddy brings out the cake's deep, complex flavors, adding an extra layer of warmth and sophistication to your dessert experience.

Ways To Switch Up Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Holiday Spice Punch: Transform the cake into individual cupcakes with a festive swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting, topped with a sprinkle of crystallized ginger for extra warmth.
• Nutty Winter Warmth: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the classic gingerbread spices.
• Chocolate Ginger Dream: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for a decadent, indulgent version of the classic recipe.
• Seasonal Berry Boost: Top the frosted cake with candied cranberries or a layer of spiced berry compote to add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, warm spices.

Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting FAQs

• What makes this gingerbread cake different from other holiday desserts?

This cake combines warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg with rich molasses, creating a deeply flavorful and traditional holiday treat that’s more complex and moist than standard gingerbread cookies.

• Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe uses simple mixing techniques and common baking ingredients. Even novice bakers can successfully create this delicious cake by following the step-by-step instructions carefully.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and frost it just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness. The flavors actually develop and become more intense overnight.

• What's the secret to getting the perfect frosting consistency?

The key is to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a creamy, spreadable frosting that complements the spicy cake perfectly.

Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm holiday spices mingle in this irresistible Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting, promising festive comfort in every slice. Guests will savor rich layers of molasses-infused cake crowned with silky, sweet cinnamon frosting that whispers winter memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

• 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) molasses
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (Optional):

• Crushed gingerbread cookies
• Cinnamon sticks
• Sprinkle of ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch pan with butter and lining it with parchment paper. Calibrate the oven temperature to 175C (350F).
2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl. Reserve this fragrant mixture to the side.
3. Transform butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a voluminous, airy mixture using an electric mixer. Beat until the texture becomes light and pillowy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the creamed mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Introduce molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients form a cohesive batter.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and conclude with the dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, ensuring optimal texture and flavor development.
8. Craft the frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Blend in molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, beating until the frosting achieves a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
9. Once the cake has reached room temperature, generously spread the cinnamon molasses frosting across the surface. Optional: embellish with crushed gingerbread cookies, a delicate cinnamon dusting, or elegant cinnamon sticks.
10. Slice into generous squares and serve, inviting everyone to savor this warmly spiced dessert.

Notes

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Use fresh, high-quality spices for a more vibrant and robust gingerbread flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve texture.
• To make the cake extra moist, brush the cooled cake with a light syrup made from equal parts water and molasses before frosting.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
• For a lighter frosting, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
• Enhance the cake’s warmth by adding a pinch of black pepper or cayenne to the dry ingredients for a subtle, unexpected kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg