Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting over the years. It’s become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire, and trust me, it never fails to impress! The aroma of warm spices wafting through the kitchen as this cake bakes is enough to get anyone into the festive spirit. If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to wow your friends and family this season, look no further! I promise you, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg brings a delightful warmth that screams holiday cheer.
- Visually Stunning: The rich cream cheese frosting on top makes for an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake the cake in advance and frost it just before serving.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this cake fits right in!
The Secret to Perfect Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The secret to achieving the perfect gingerbread cake lies in the spices and the technique. I always use freshly grated ginger along with high-quality ground spices. This will elevate the flavor to a whole new level! Plus, remember to sift your dry ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of the spices. A tip that I swear by is to let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting; this way, you’ll avoid a melty mess, and the frosting will hold its shape beautifully. Trust me, with these little tricks, your cake will shine!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This gingerbread cake is to die for! I brought it to a potluck, and it was the first thing to disappear. Everyone was raving about it!” – Sarah J.
“I’ve made this cake for my family every holiday season, and it’s become a beloved tradition. The cream cheese frosting is a game-changer!” – Mark L.
“Wow! This recipe is so easy to follow and the result is simply delicious. I can’t wait to make it again!” – Emily R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Gingerbread: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate some orange zest for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Spiced Rum: Mix in a tablespoon of spiced rum for an adult version.
Bonus: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting for a delightful sweet-salty contrast!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.
How do I store leftover gingerbread cake? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for up to three months in the freezer.
How do I prevent the frosting from melting? Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting, and consider chilling the frosting for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- For longer freshness, keep in the fridge; it helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Perfect Occasions for Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Holiday parties
- Family gatherings
- Office celebrations
- Potlucks
- Cozy winter nights in
- New Year’s Eve festivities
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of the Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
Tip: For a richer flavor, use dark molasses instead of light molasses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start. While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, creating a tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Molasses
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the molasses. The mixture will look a bit strange, but don’t worry; it will all come together!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. Mix until just combined; overmixing can toughen your cake.
Step 6: Bake!
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be incredible, and your anticipation will be through the roof!
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, prepare your cream cheese frosting.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat together 8 oz of cream cheese, ½ cup of softened butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost Your Cake
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. You can get creative with the frosting technique for a beautiful presentation!
This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Each slice is packed with flavors that dance on your taste buds, and the creamy frosting complements it perfectly. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds—trust me!
Final Thoughts
I can’t stress enough how special this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is. It’s not just another dessert; it’s a
