Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is the kind of dessert that instantly fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Rich spices, deep molasses flavor, and a soft, tender crumb make this cake feel both comforting and indulgent. It is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it ideal for cool evenings, festive gatherings, or whenever you crave a cozy homemade treat.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the frosting. The cinnamon molasses frosting adds a creamy, slightly caramelized richness that complements the cake beautifully without overwhelming it. I tested this cake several times to achieve the right moisture level, and the combination of oil and molasses keeps it incredibly soft even days after baking. This is a cake that feels special yet approachable, elegant enough for guests and simple enough for everyday baking.
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Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting: A Warm and Spiced Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, warmly spiced gingerbread cake topped with a luscious cinnamon molasses frosting, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup milk
- Cinnamon Molasses Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in molasses until fully incorporated.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in molasses, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Flavors deepen after resting overnight.
- Adjust frosting consistency with more milk if needed.
- Pairs well with coffee or hot tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake while keeping the crumb soft and tender. It allows the spices and molasses to shine without making the cake dense.
Molasses
Molasses gives gingerbread its signature deep, slightly bittersweet flavor. It also adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cake stays soft.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar enhances the molasses flavor and adds subtle caramel notes. Its moisture content contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
Ground ginger
Ground ginger delivers the warm, spicy bite that defines gingerbread. It provides bold flavor without overpowering the other spices.
Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds sweetness and warmth, tying together the spice blend and enhancing the frosting.
Ground cloves
Ground cloves add depth and a hint of sharpness, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
Ground nutmeg
Nutmeg contributes a soft, aromatic warmth that rounds out the spice profile.
Baking soda
Baking soda helps the cake rise and reacts with the molasses for a light, fluffy texture.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients and provide structure, contributing to a smooth and even crumb.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and tender for days, making it ideal for make-ahead baking.
Milk
Milk softens the batter and ensures even mixing, resulting in a smooth texture.
Butter
Butter forms the base of the frosting, adding richness and a creamy mouthfeel.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting while keeping it smooth.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances both the cake and frosting with subtle warmth.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens the spice flavors.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven and greasing a baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, mix molasses, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by molasses, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 12 people.
Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a baking time of 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving. This cake does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This gingerbread cake adapts beautifully to personal preferences. For added texture, chopped nuts or crystallized ginger can be folded into the batter. A layer of applesauce can replace part of the oil for a slightly lighter version.
If you prefer a stronger spice profile, increase the ginger and cloves slightly. For a milder frosting, reduce the molasses and increase vanilla.
You can also bake this cake as cupcakes or a layered cake, adjusting baking time accordingly. A cream cheese frosting variation works well if you want a tangier contrast to the spices.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 58 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Spice Balance
Measure spices carefully to maintain harmony without overpowering the cake.
Molasses Choice
Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor and texture.
Cooling Time
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Frosting Texture
Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
What type of molasses should I use?
Unsulphured molasses is recommended for best flavor.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, unfrosted cake freezes well for up to two months.
Is this cake very sweet?
It is moderately sweet with balanced spice.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil is preferred for moisture, but melted butter can be substituted.
Does this cake pair well with coffee?
Yes, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is a timeless dessert that captures warmth, spice, and comfort in every bite. With its moist texture, rich flavors, and creamy frosting, it is a recipe that feels festive yet satisfying all year round. This cake is sure to become a favorite whenever you want a dessert that feels both cozy and special.
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