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Nothing says cozy holiday baking quite like a warm slice of Gingerbread Cake. With its soft, moist texture and rich blend of spices, this classic dessert is a true seasonal favorite. Made with molasses, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and warm spices, every bite is filled with comforting, festive flavor.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it with a cup of tea on a chilly evening, this gingerbread cake is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake
- Soft, moist, and tender crumb
- Rich flavor from molasses and spices
- Easy to prepare in under an hour
- Perfect for holidays and winter gatherings
- Delicious with whipped cream and fresh fruit
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh banana slices
How to Make Gingerbread Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently, then pour in the hot water and whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool before slicing. Serve with whipped cream and banana slices if desired.
How to Know When It’s Done
- Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean
- The edges will slightly pull away from the pan
Make-Ahead Tips
You can bake this cake one day in advance. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly. Add toppings just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature (covered) for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week
- Keep toppings separate until serving
Freezing Instructions
- Let the cake cool completely
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw at room temperature before serving
Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread Cake is everything you want in a holiday dessert—warm, spiced, soft, and comforting. It’s simple to make, full of nostalgic flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
