The Perfect Holiday Treat: Irresistibly Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

As the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread to brighten the season. This Gingerbread Cake is not just a dessert, but a heartwarming embrace of rich spices and deep molasses sweetness. Whether it's the inviting aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves filling your kitchen or the smooth cream cheese frosting that tops it off, this cake is sure to become a favorite for the holidays or any time you crave a spiced treat.

The Essence of Gingerbread Flavor

Gingerbread has a long history, dating back to ancient times when spices were highly prized and used in both savory and sweet dishes. Over time, gingerbread evolved into a festive tradition, especially in Europe and North America, where it’s enjoyed in various forms—whether it’s cookies, houses, or, in this case, a decadent cake.

This Gingerbread Cake is moist, rich, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. The addition of molasses brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while applesauce adds a subtle fruitiness that keeps the cake tender and light. It’s a nostalgic treat that brings a sense of warmth and togetherness, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.

Recipe: Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• Gingerbread Cake:
• • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup molasses
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup hot water
• Cream Cheese Frosting:
• • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×11-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This blend of spices will give the cake its distinct gingerbread flavor.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Using a mixer, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This step is essential to create a smooth base for the cake. Add in the egg, molasses, and applesauce, and mix until combined. The molasses will give the cake its rich color and flavor.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture in four intervals, stirring just until combined after each addition. Finally, stir in the hot water to bring all the ingredients together into a smooth batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the pinch of salt and vanilla extract for flavor. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar in four intervals, beating until well combined after each addition to achieve a perfectly creamy frosting.
7. Frost & Serve: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the warm spices of the cake. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to enjoy later!

A Seasonal Delight

This Gingerbread Cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table, bringing together classic flavors with a modern touch of applesauce for moisture and depth. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess, making each bite a celebration of festive flavors.

With its combination of warming spices and luscious frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Here are a few great sources for Gingerbread Cake recipes and ideas that align with what you're looking for:

1. AllRecipes' Favorite Old-Fashioned Gingerbread - This recipe is simple yet flavorful, using ingredients like molasses and a mix of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It's perfect for holiday baking and includes steps on how to make the cake light and fluffy​(Allrecipes).
2. Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze - If you're looking for a twist, this gingerbread cake with lemon glaze offers a unique and refreshing flavor, combining traditional spices with a citrusy topping​(Allrecipes).
3. Gingerbread III Recipe - For a more classic version, this recipe offers a traditional gingerbread cake that's light, spicy, and perfect for the holidays. It incorporates brown sugar, molasses, and classic gingerbread spices​(Allrecipes).

Each of these sources provides thorough instructions and tips to make the best gingerbread cake for any occasion. Feel free to explore the links to find the exact recipe that fits your preferences!