Gingerbread Cake: A Spicy, Sweet Holiday Treat!
Introduction
If you’re looking for a dessert that screams holiday warmth, this Gingerbread Cake is exactly what you need! With its rich spices, moist texture, and comforting flavors, it’s the perfect treat for cozy winter gatherings or holiday dinners. This cake combines the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, all baked into a fluffy, tender cake that is then topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this Gingerbread Cake will surely become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
To make this decadent Gingerbread Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the cake, creating structure and tenderness.
- 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp Baking Soda – Works with the molasses to give the cake a perfect rise and a soft texture.
- ½ + ½ tsp Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the spices.
- ½ tsp + 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm, spicy flavor that is a hallmark of gingerbread.
- 2 tsp Ground Ginger – The key flavor in gingerbread, giving the cake its signature kick.
- 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg – Adds a sweet, aromatic note that complements the other spices perfectly.
- ½ tsp Ground Cloves – A little goes a long way in adding depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp Allspice – Another spice that adds complexity and a slight tangy sweetness.
- 1 ¼ cups Sour Cream – Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, creating a soft crumb.
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake while contributing to its light texture.
- ¼ + ½ cup Light Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture with its rich caramel undertones.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and tenderness to the cake batter.
- ½ cup Canola Oil – Adds moisture without overwhelming the flavor, helping the cake stay soft and tender.
- ½ cup Molasses – Gives the cake that signature gingerbread flavor and a beautiful, deep color.
- 3 Large Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
- 1 ½ + 2 tsp Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and sweetness to balance out the spices in the cake.
- ¼ cup Very Hot Water – Helps to bring together the batter and smooth out the consistency.
- 12 oz Block-Style Cream Cheese – Used to make a rich, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the spiced cake.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (for frosting) – Adds richness and smoothness to the cream cheese frosting.