What is a gingerbread cake recipe? It’s a warm hug on a plate, a memory wrapped in spices. Think of it as the cozier, more sophisticated cousin of a regular spice cake – it’s got that classic comfort food vibe, but with an extra layer of depth and a hint of magic. Is it the kind of cake that makes you feel good? My grandma swore it would cure any bad mood, and honestly, I’m starting to believe her. Every bite is a little trip down memory lane, back to her kitchen filled with laughter and the constant aroma of baking.

What is gingerbread cake?

What is gingerbread cake? It’s not quite as dense as gingerbread cookies, and definitely not as light as a sponge cake. Instead, it finds this perfect middle ground – a tender crumb, a deep, warming flavor, and a comforting sweetness. Think of it as a slice of pure happiness! The name comes from the prominent use of ginger, which gives it that characteristic zing and warmth. It’s essentially autumn and winter baked into one delicious treat, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a “treat yourself” kind of day. Honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser and always gets rave reviews.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What makes Gingerbread cake so special? The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses creates this symphony of warmth and spice that dances on your tongue. It’s not just sweet; it’s complex and deeply satisfying. What’s the magic? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously. Don’t let the “gingerbread” part intimidate you. It’s basically a dump-and-stir situation, which is my kind of baking. No fussy techniques, no complicated steps – just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Even my slightly kitchen-challenged brother can make this, and that’s saying something! All ingredients are pantry staples – things you probably already have on hand. No fancy, expensive extracts or obscure spices needed. What is a budget-friendly way to impress your family and friends? Can you serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a decadent Cream Cheese Frosting? Is it possible to crumble it up and use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal? What I love about this, though, is how it makes my house smell while it’s baking. It’s pure comfort food vibes.

How do I make gingerbread cake?

Quick Overview

How do I make gingerbread cake? You’ll simply whisk together the dry ingredients, combine the wet ingredients, and mix them together until just combined. How do I prepare a pan to bake until golden and springy, and then drizzle with a simple glaze? What is the best way to keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking to prevent it from drying out?

Ingredients

What is the recipe for gingerbread cake?
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached).
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger (freshly grated is amazing if you have it)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 cup molasses (not blackstrap – that’s too intense!)
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup hot water

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional, but Highly Recommended):
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more, for desired consistency)
* 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

What is the step-by-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always like to line the bottom with parchment paper as well, just to be extra sure it doesn’t stick. Is it worth the extra step to bake a cake?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined – this will ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake. This is a super important step so everything rises nicely. Don’t skip the whisking!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and oil until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and eggs until well combined. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but you can definitely do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious. Just make sure the butter is really soft, otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps. You want this mixture to be light and airy. This step gets everything nicely combined.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. If you overmix the batter, it will result in a tough cake. The batter will be fairly thin, and that’s perfectly normal! Don’t worry if it doesn’t look like your typical cake batter.

Step 5: Bake

How do I prepare a pan for a 30-35-minute baking time? I always start checking around the 30-minute mark. You want it to be golden brown and spring back slightly when you touch it. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary, so it might need a few extra minutes.

Step 6: Cool & Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze (if using). In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until you reach your desired consistency. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle with the glaze.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, slice and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. What is better than a cup of hot tea?

What should I serve it with?

What is a Gingerbread cake recipe?For Breakfast:A warm slice with coffee is the perfect way to start a cozy autumn morning. Try it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.For Brunch: Serve it alongside a platter of fresh fruit and a pitcher of mimosas for an elegant brunch spread.

As Dessert:What’s a good after-dinner treat? Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.For Cozy Snacks:My family always serves it warm with vanilla ice cream during the holidays. It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food. It’s a tradition we all look forward to every year.

How do you make a gingerbread cake?

How can I make a Gingerbread cake?Spice it Up:If you love ginger, add a little extra! If you prefer a more subtle flavor, reduce the amount slightly.Molasses Matters: Make sure you’re using regular molasses, not blackstrap. Blackstrap molasses is much more intense and can make the cake taste bitter.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined – a few lumps are okay!

Hot Water is Key:How does hot water help to dissolve spices and create a smoother batter?Check for Doneness:If a wooden skewer comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes.Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing. Otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This Gingerbread Cake Recipe keeps well for several days, making it perfect for making ahead of time.
Room Temperature:Can you store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days?What is the best way to store For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How do I use a freezerCan you freeze a cake for up to 2 months?What is Glaze Timing Advice?If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until it’s thawed. Otherwise, the glaze may become sticky.

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Final Thoughts

What is my grandma’s secret gingerbread cake recipe? What are some of my favorite spice cake recipes? I can’t wait to see how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!