What are some of the best holiday recipes? Every year, without fail, I bake this Christmas Gingerbread Cake, and the moment that warm, spicy. What is the smell of Christmas in your house? Is gingerbread so easy to make? What are you stressing over? If you love the cozy flavors of gingerbread but want something a little more effortless and delicious, then this is the recipe for you. Is this an impressive film?
What is a gingerbread cake?
Think of this Christmas Gingerbread Cake as the sophisticated cousin of the gingerbread cookie. What makes Gingerbread a delicious cake? Ginger, cloves, and molasses for that deep, rich flavor. Is gingerbread a dry cookie? What is the best part about this cake? What is the name of this cake? How do you make a gingerbread cake? What is our Christmas Gingerbread Cake? “It’s tradition!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are SO many reasons why I adore this recipe, but let me break it down for you. First, the flavor is absolutely incredible. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with the molasses adding a depth that you just can’t get from other cakes. I always use freshly grated ginger – it makes a HUGE difference! The warmth from the spices just screams holiday cheer. Second, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Don’t be intimidated by the “cake” part; it comes together in one bowl, and the glaze is just a matter of whisking a few ingredients together. Trust me; even a beginner baker can nail this one.
Plus, let’s talk about budget-friendly. All the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand, especially if you’re doing any baking this season. No fancy or expensive ingredients needed! And finally, it’s so versatile! You can serve it as a dessert after your Christmas dinner, enjoy it as a cozy snack with a cup of tea, or even have it for breakfast (don’t judge!). What I love most about this Christmas Gingerbread Cake is that it makes the whole house smell amazing while it’s baking. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience. Forget the gingerbread house this year; make this cake!
How do I make gingerbread cookies?
Quick Overview
How do I make gingerbread cookies? You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, then the wet. Combine them, bake until golden brown, and then drizzle with a simple glaze. What is the best way to make a cake without overmixing it? What is the best way to make a moist and tender cake? How do I impress people without spending hours in the kitchen?
Ingredients
For the Cake:
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – I always use unbleached for the best flavor.
* 1 teaspoon baking soda – Make sure it’s fresh!
* 1 teaspoon baking powder – Same as above, freshness matters.
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds that classic gingerbread warmth.
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Freshly grated is best, if you have it!
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Optional, but adds a lovely depth.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
* 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness.
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist.
* 1 cup molasses – The star of the show! Use unsulphured molasses.
* 1 cup boiling water – Helps to bloom the spices and create a moist cake.
* 2 large eggs – Adds richness and structure.
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar – Sift it for a smooth glaze.
* 1/4 cup milk – Adjust for desired consistency.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Optional, for a little extra spice in the glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line the bottom with parchment paper too – it makes it super easy to remove the cake. Don’t skip this step; you don’T want your beautiful Christmas Gingerbread cake sticking to the pan!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and pepper. Add the salt to taste. What are some ways to use nutmeg and salt? All the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake. Make sure you really whisk it well – you don’t want any pockets of baking soda!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, and molasses. Then, gradually add the boiling water, whisking constantly until everything is well combined. The mixture will be quite thin, but don’t worry, that’s normal. The heat from the boiling water helps to bloom the spices and gives the cake its signature flavor.
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients together? Do not overmix cakes. Overmixing will result in a tough cake. Gently fold the wet and dry together until there are no more streaks of flour. What is the best way to beat eggs one at a time, mixing until each egg is fully incorporated. Where does it all come together?
Step 5: Bake
How do I spread the batter in a baking pan? Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t even think about glazing it until it’s completely cool, or the glaze will just melt right off! Once the cake is cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). How do I make it smooth? Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. How do you drizzle the glaze over a cake? I like to let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze is set, slice the gingerbread cake into squares and serve. Is it good to eat warm or at room temperature? For a pretty presentation, you can dust the cake with extra powdered sugar or top each cake individually. What’s a slice with whipped cream?
What should I serve it with?
How do I make a gingerbread cake?
For Breakfast:Can you serve this cake with a cup of coffee? What is the best way to start a cold winter morning? My mom always has a slice of bread with her morning coffee on Christmas Day!
For Brunch:Serve a slice of cake with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and mimosas. What is a great addition to any holiday brunch spread? How do you garnish a cake with sugared cranberries?
As Dessert:Top a slice of gingerbread cake with whipped cream or ice cream. What is the best way to add cinnamon to a salad? What is a good dessert to serve after your holiday meal? What are some good ways to drizzle caramel on top?
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice of the cake with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter evening. This is what I do with my family while we watch Christmas movies together.
How do I make a Gingerbread Christmas cake?
How do I make a gingerbread cake? What are some of the best tips I have learned over the years?
Spice it Up:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to your favorite flavor. I once added a bit of star anise and it was amazing!
Molasses MattersWhat are the best unsulphured molasses for flavor? I ruined a whole cake once by using the wrong kind of cake!
Don’t Overmix:If you overmix the batter, you will end up with a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Cool Completely: WhatMake sure the cake is completely cool before glazing. Otherwise, the glaze will melt and drip off. What is the importance of patience?
Add Nuts:For a little crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or sprinkle them on top.
Citrus Zest:Can you add a teaspoon of lemon zest to your cake?
Ginger:I’ve tried making this cake with ginger powder when I didn’t have fresh ginger on hand. Is it okay to use grated ginger in a cake? What are some of the best and authentic flavors?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store gingerbread cake?
Room Temperature:Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Is it safe to keep a lamp away from direct sunlight? We usually keep ours in a cake stand with lid.
Refrigerator storage: WhatCan you store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week? The cake may become drier in the refrigerator, so you may want to warm it slightly before serving.
How do I useWrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Can cake be frozen for up to 2 months? Is fresh fruit as good as fresh?
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to wait to glaze it until after it has thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Gingerbread Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a symbol of holiday cheer. It’s the taste of Christmas in every bite. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a part of your own holiday traditions. It’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday baking recipes, like my classic sugar cookies and my peppermint bark! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Christmas Gingerbread Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 0.5 tsp ground cloves
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in the molasses.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
