### Delicious Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
**Meta Title: Delightful Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting**
**Meta Description: Celebrate the holidays with this delicious gingerbread cake topped with creamy frosting. Enjoy a slice of festive magic all year round!**
You know that feeling when the crispness of fall begins to settle in, and all the cozy spices start to beckon you into the kitchen? The sweet scent of ginger, clove, and cinnamon swirling through the air brings back memories of holiday cheer, family gatherings, and warm festivities. That’s exactly how I feel every time I make this delicious gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting. It’s not just a cake; it’s a slice of nostalgia that transports you back to those heartwarming moments.
With its perfectly moist texture and splendid spice, this gingerbread cake is an absolute treat that can be enjoyed all year round. The addition of cream cheese frosting takes it over the top, bringing a rich, tangy balance that complements the cake’s warmth. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to create this comforting dish step by step, ensuring you’ll have a festive masterpiece to share with friends and family.
What is Gingerbread Cake?
Gingerbread cake is a beloved dessert that dates back to the Middle Ages, with roots tracing back to Greece and eventually spreading through Europe. Traditionally made with **spices** such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, it offers a warm and robust flavor profile that many adore. The cake typically has a rich, dense texture and is often enjoyed during the holiday season. Each bite is a nostalgic reminder of winter warmth, encapsulating all the cozy joy of the holidays.
What sets gingerbread apart is its unique combination of spices. Imagine biting into a slice where the spiciness of ginger dances with the earthiness of molasses and the warmth of cinnamon — it’s like a hug on a plate. With its deep, dark color, the cake invites you to indulge, and the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply out of this world. It’s no surprise that this comforting dessert has gained a special place in our hearts and on our holiday tables.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake
There’s so much to adore about this gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting! First and foremost, it merges nostalgia with modern flavors, making it perfect for both savory and sweet lovers. The **simplicity** of the recipe means that even novice bakers can whip it up with confidence, making it a great go-to for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Not to mention, it’s an incredibly **budget-friendly** dessert. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t find yourself breaking the bank on this delightful treat. Plus, it’s a fantastic cake to prepare ahead of time and even gets better the longer it sits; the spices have time to mingle and intensify their flavors. And let’s be real: who doesn’t love a cake topped off with the rich, creamy smoothness of **cream cheese frosting**? Pair your gingerbread with this tangy frosting, and you have a dessert that will impress anyone who takes a bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious gingerbread cake:
– **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour**: The backbone of the cake, all-purpose flour provides structure.
– **1 tsp baking soda**: This helps the cake rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
– **1 tsp ground ginger**: The star of the show, ginger provides that warm, spicy kick.
– **1 tsp ground cinnamon**: Adds a hint of sweetness and warmth, elevating the flavor.
– **½ tsp ground cloves**: For a deeply aromatic flavor; a little bit goes a long way.
– **½ tsp salt**: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the cake flavors.
– **½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)**: This gives the cake a creamy richness and moistness.
– **1 cup brown sugar**: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor; light or dark brown sugar will work here.
– **1 large egg**: Binds everything together and helps the cake rise.
– **½ cup unsulfured molasses**: Provides deep flavor and contributes to the cake’s moisture.
– **½ cup hot water**: This helps to melt the molasses and other ingredients together.
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– **8 oz cream cheese (softened)**: Provides that rich creaminess we love.
– **½ cup unsalted butter (softened)**: Adds a velvety texture to the frosting.
– **4 cups powdered sugar**: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a great consistency.
– **1 tsp vanilla extract**: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds warmth.
**Tip**: For a bit of zest, consider adding **zest from one orange** to your frosting; it beautifully brightens the flavors!
How to Make Gingerbread Cake
Ready to bring the magic of this gingerbread cake to life? Follow these steps to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:
1. **Preheat your oven & prepare the pan**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This ensures your gingerbread cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly golden-brown.
2. **Mix dry ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This step is important to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent throughout the batter.
3. **Cream butter and sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. You want to incorporate air into the mixture, which will help keep your cake light.
4. **Add the egg and molasses**: Beat in the egg and the molasses until everything is well combined and smooth. The mixture will be dark and rich in color at this point, and the aroma will be nothing short of heavenly.
5. **Combine wet and dry ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. Start with about a third of the dry mix, then half the hot water, followed by another third of the dry mix, and so on, until everything is fully combined. The batter will be slightly thin but smooth—avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.
6. **Pour and bake**: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and gently spread it out to ensure an even surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. During the last few minutes of baking, keep an eye on the cake so it doesn’t overbake. The edges should be pulling away from the sides of the pan and the top will be slightly domed.
7. **Cool the cake**: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
**Tip**: If you’re tempted to skip the cooling step, resist! The frosting will melt if you attempt to spread it on while the cake is still warm.
8. **Make the cream cheese frosting**: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Feel free to adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter frosting.
9. **Frost the cake**: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. You can simply use a spatula for a smooth finish or get creative with a piping bag for decorative swirls.
10. **Serve**: Slice into squares, serve on a beautiful platter, and watch as your guests delight in each rich, spiced bite of this gorgeous gingerbread cake!
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Here are some expert suggestions to elevate your baking experience:
– **Decoration Ideas**: Consider adding **chopped nuts** (like walnuts or pecans) on top of your frosting for a delightful crunch.
– **Flavor Variations**: Get creative! Try adding **chocolate chips** or **dried cranberries** into the batter for a twist.
– **Storage Tips**: This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week; simply let it come to room temperature before serving. The flavors may even deepen as it sits!
– **Freezing**: You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
– **Healthier Options**: Substitute the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions. You can also use applesauce as a partial substitute for butter to reduce the fat content.
What to Serve With Gingerbread Cake
To really make your gingerbread cake shine, consider serving it alongside a dollop of **whipped cream** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream**. The creamy contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the cake, enhancing the overall experience. A cup of piping hot chai tea or spiced apple cider pairs perfectly with your masterpiece, creating a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for cool evenings.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
While gingerbread cake may be a treat, it’s good to appreciate its components. The ginger and molasses in this cake are known for their digestive benefits and potential immune-boosting properties. Ginger, specifically, is famous for its anti-inflammatory effects and can soothe the stomach. Here’s a rough breakdown of nutrition for a slice of this cake:
– **Calories**: Approximately 300
– **Fat**: 12g
– **Carbohydrates**: 45g
– **Protein**: 3g
If you want to dive deeper into the health benefits of ginger, check out resources like [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-ginger).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I make this cake vegan?**
Absolutely! To make a vegan gingerbread cake, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a non-dairy milk in place of hot water if desired.
2. **How long does it take to bake?**
The cake typically takes about 30-35 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). However, ovens may vary, so I recommend checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center.
3. **What can I use instead of molasses?**
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that the flavor profile will differ slightly. For a closer match to the deep flavor of molasses, consider using a dark corn syrup.
4. **Can I add more spices?**
Yes, feel free to mix in additional spices, such as **nutmeg** or **allspice**, to elevate the flavor of your cake even more. Be cautious not to overpower the ginger, though!
5. **How do I store leftover cake?**
Store leftover gingerbread cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it (as noted earlier) for longer preservation.
In conclusion, this delicious gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy. It brings the essence of beloved memories right into your kitchen, and with every slice, you’ll be reminded of the festivity and comfort that comes from home-cooked treats. So why not whip up this gem tonight? If you loved it, I would love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment with your delightful experiences. Happy baking!
