This Easy Gingerbread Cake recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread any time of year. It’s a moist, tender cake packed with the perfect blend of spices and molasses, making it an ideal treat for holidays, cozy evenings, or whenever you crave a little bit of sweetness. The recipe is straightforward, using common pantry ingredients, and it comes together quickly, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need any fancy equipment or specialized ingredients.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of molasses, butter, and milk results in a cake that is exceptionally moist and tender. It practically melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly Spiced: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice creates that signature gingerbread flavor. The spices are balanced, ensuring that no single spice overpowers the others, creating a harmonious and comforting taste.
- Versatile: This cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with various toppings like powdered sugar, whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can be adapted for different occasions.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, this cake takes just under an hour to prepare, making it perfect for those times when you need a quick and satisfying dessert.
- Wonderful Aroma: As the cake bakes, it fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that is reminiscent of the holidays, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake this cake ahead of time and store it at room temperature for a few days or in the freezer for longer storage. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Gingerbread cake is a classic dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a 9-inch cake pan by lightly greasing it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking. Alternatively, you can grease the pan with butter and then dust it with flour. Make sure to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the pan. This step is crucial for a perfect cake release.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to cream together the butter and sugar on high speed. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar together incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cake’s light and tender texture.
Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, Milk, and Spices:
To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the molasses, egg, milk, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are well combined. The molasses adds moisture and a distinctive flavor, while the egg helps to bind the ingredients together. The spices provide the characteristic gingerbread flavor, and the milk adds additional moisture to the batter. Ensure that there are no lumps and that the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Baking Soda:
In the same mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gently mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cake dense and less tender. Mix until the flour disappears into the wet ingredients, and then stop mixing.
Step 5: Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to check for doneness. A clean toothpick indicates that the cake is fully baked. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from breaking when you try to remove it. After 20 minutes, invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is completely cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar, frost it with cream cheese frosting, or top it with whipped cream, if desired. This step is optional, but it adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cake is cooled and decorated, slice and serve. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade gingerbread cake. This cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or a cream cheese glaze.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or spiced cider.
- Serve as a dessert at holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- Add a side of fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use it as a base for a trifle, layering it with custard, fruit, and whipped cream.
- Cut into squares and serve as part of a dessert buffet.
Tips:
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure that the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements are essential for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you’re using the correct amount of each ingredient.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the flour is just combined, and then stop mixing.
- Check for Doneness: The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or decorating it. This will prevent the frosting from melting and ensure that the cake holds its shape.
- Store Properly: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves to the batter.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 250 calories per serving
Protein:
Approximately 3 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 200 milligrams per serving
Conclusion
This Easy Gingerbread Cake recipe is a delightful and accessible way to bring the warmth and comfort of gingerbread into your home. Its simplicity makes it perfect for novice bakers, while its delicious flavor and moist texture are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday treat, a cozy dessert for a chilly evening, or simply a sweet escape, this gingerbread cake is a wonderful choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade happiness. The combination of simple steps, readily available ingredients, and that unforgettable gingerbread aroma will make this recipe a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
A: While all-purpose flour is the recommended flour for this recipe due to its balance of protein and gluten, you can substitute it with other flours if needed. For a slightly denser and more rustic texture, you can use whole wheat flour, but you might need to add a bit more liquid to the batter to maintain the desired consistency. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can also be used for a gluten-free version, but be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have molasses?
A: Molasses is a key ingredient in gingerbread cake, providing its distinctive flavor and moisture. However, if you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or brown sugar. Keep in mind that these substitutions will alter the flavor profile slightly. Dark corn syrup will provide a similar level of sweetness and moisture, while brown sugar will add a caramel-like flavor. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
Q3: Can I add frosting to this cake? If so, what kind of frosting would you recommend?
A: Absolutely! Frosting can elevate the flavor and presentation of this gingerbread cake. Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing that complements the warm spices and molasses beautifully. Its tangy and rich flavor balances the sweetness of the cake. Alternatively, you can use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a caramel frosting for a richer, more decadent treat. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Q4: How should I store leftover gingerbread cake to keep it fresh?
A: To keep leftover gingerbread cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before storing it to prevent it from becoming soggy. For longer storage, you can wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen gingerbread cake can last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Q5: Can I add any other spices to enhance the gingerbread flavor?
A: Yes, you can definitely customize the spice blend to suit your personal preferences. Ground cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom are all excellent additions to gingerbread cake. A pinch of black pepper can also add a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. Start with small amounts, about ¼ teaspoon of each spice, and adjust to taste. Remember that spices can intensify over time, so don’t overdo it. A well-balanced spice blend will enhance the overall flavor of the cake without overpowering it.
