Gingerbread cake is a classic holiday treat that fills the kitchen with the warm and cozy aroma of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Its deep molasses flavor and moist texture make it a festive favorite, perfect for cold winter days. Whether served as a simple dessert or paired with whipped cream or lemon glaze, this cake brings a sense of nostalgia and cheer to any Christmas celebration. Easy to prepare yet rich in flavor, gingerbread cake is a timeless choice to impress your loved ones during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- ¾ cup molasses
- ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (shaken well)
- Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream or powdered sugar
- Lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and lemon juice)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir to combine evenly and set aside.
3. Cream the Wet Ingredients
- In another large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter, molasses, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Add the Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Reduce the mixer speed to low.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in three portions, alternating with the buttermilk in two portions. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing. The batter should be thick and smooth.
6. Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze.
Lemon Glaze Recipe (Optional):
- Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp lemon juice. Mix until smooth and drizzle over the cake.
Conclusion
A slice of gingerbread cake is like a bite of Christmas itself—rich, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. Its blend of spices and sweet molasses perfectly captures the essence of the holidays, making it an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings. Whether enjoyed warm with a dollop of cream or dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is sure to bring smiles to your table. Simple to make yet endlessly satisfying, gingerbread cake is a recipe you’ll return to year after year to spread holiday joy.
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