There’s something magical about the aroma of gingerbread cake wafting through the air, like a warm hug from a long-lost friend. The spiced notes of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg come together to create a cozy comfort that feels just right. bright lemon donuts Imagine biting into a slice—so soft and moist—that it practically melts in your mouth, making every bite feel like the holidays.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake
- How to Make Gingerbread Cake
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What is Gingerbread Cake?
- How can I store Gingerbread Cake?
- Can I make Gingerbread Cake ahead of time?
- What are some variations of Gingerbread Cake?
- Conclusion for Gingerbread Cake:
- 📖 Recipe Card
This gingerbread cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Picture this: you’re bundled up by the fireplace, snowflakes swirling outside, while you savor this delightful treat. Whether it’s Christmas or just an ordinary Tuesday that needs some cheer, this cake is your go-to for creating sweet moments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This gingerbread cake is incredibly simple to make, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- With its rich flavor profile and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it plain or with whipped cream for added decadence.
- Plus, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking when dessert will be served!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple that gives your cake structure and softness; sifting it helps to avoid lumps.
- Ground Ginger: The star of the show! Freshly ground ginger adds a spicy kick that’s essential for that classic flavor.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the ginger and enhances the overall taste profile of the cake.
- Nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness; choose based on your preference. For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
- Molasses: This dark syrup gives the cake its signature color and depth of flavor; use unsulfured molasses for best results.
For the Frosting:
- Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar creates a smooth frosting; make sure it’s sifted to avoid clumps in your icing.
- Butter: Softened butter adds creaminess to the frosting; let it sit at room temperature before mixing. soft cream cheese cookies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Gingerbread Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan so that your gingerbread can release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together molasses, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and hot water until well combined. Make sure everything looks smooth and inviting—like a warm hug waiting for you!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—over-mixing will lead to a dense cake instead of fluffy goodness.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
Step 6: Cool & Frost
Let your gingerbread cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Once cooled completely, whip up some frosting with powdered sugar and softened butter until smooth; then spread it evenly over the top.
Now that you’ve mastered this easy gingerbread cake recipe, it’s time to serve slices drizzled with extra frosting or alongside fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence! Enjoy every delightful bite! pumpkin poke cake recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful gingerbread cake not only fills your home with the warm scent of spices but also brings joy to every bite.
- It’s perfect for the holidays, yet simple enough to enjoy any day.
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that invites second helpings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. Mix the dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar before adding eggs and molasses. Finally, incorporate the dry mix and pour it into the pan for baking perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your gingerbread cake by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also swap molasses for honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover gingerbread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a cozy dessert.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a moist gingerbread cake, be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined.
- Using room temperature ingredients helps create a light texture.
- Always measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense result.
Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about that one Christmas party when I served this gingerbread cake, and everyone went back for seconds—talk about sweet success!
FAQs:
What is Gingerbread Cake?
Gingerbread cake is a spiced dessert that combines the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. This delightful cake is often enjoyed during the holiday season, but it is perfect for any occasion. The rich aroma and moist texture make it a favorite among many. You can serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or frosting for added sweetness. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for gatherings.
How can I store Gingerbread Cake?
To store gingerbread cake, first ensure it has cooled completely. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its moisture. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to preserve it even longer, freeze individual slices wrapped securely; they will last for about three months without losing flavor.
Can I make Gingerbread Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make gingerbread cake ahead of time. In fact, many people find that the flavors deepen after a day or two in the fridge. Bake your cake and allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it if you need to keep it longer. Just remember to let it thaw at room temperature before serving so that its texture remains perfect.
What are some variations of Gingerbread Cake?
There are several delicious variations of gingerbread cake you can try. You might consider adding chocolate chips for a richer flavor or incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Some recipes include orange zest for a refreshing citrus twist while others may feature cream cheese frosting for extra creaminess. apple crisp for dessert Experimenting with different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom can also enhance the traditional ginger flavor and create a unique dessert experience.
Conclusion for Gingerbread Cake:
In summary, gingerbread cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Its rich blend of spices makes it perfect not only during the holidays but year-round as well. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this treat for several days after baking. Feel free to explore various adaptations to suit your tastes, whether by adding chocolate chips or nuts. This versatile cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Gingerbread Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of gingerbread cake, a delightful dessert that brings warmth to any occasion. With its rich blend of spices and moist texture, this cake is perfect for the holidays or simply to brighten up your day. Enjoy it plain, or elevate it with whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsulfured molasses
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix molasses, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and hot water until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just blended; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
