Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting
Few desserts capture the comfort of winter quite like a Gingerbread Cake. Rich with warming spices and deep ginger flavor, this seasonal favorite delivers everything people love about holiday baking. Finished with a smooth cinnamon molasses frosting, it offers a soft, fragrant bite that feels both nostalgic and festive.
This cake is especially well-suited for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, and special occasions. Its cozy aroma and beautifully spiced flavor make it a standout dessert that draws everyone to the table. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive party, it brings a sense of warmth and celebration to every slice.
Serving Suggestions
To make this gingerbread cake even more memorable, serve it with a topping or side that complements its rich spice profile.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast.
- Pair it with homemade vanilla ice cream for a delicious balance of warm spice and cool sweetness.
- Dust the top with a little ground cinnamon for an elegant finishing touch.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce to deepen the flavor and create a more indulgent presentation.
Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 9 ounces milk
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 3 teaspoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Make the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 5×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Place the milk and brown sugar in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture becomes lukewarm.
- In another pan, warm the molasses and corn syrup over low heat until loosened and easy to combine.
- Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and work it in until the texture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add the warmed molasses mixture and mix again.
- Beat in the egg until the batter is smooth.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it in foil and leave it for one day so the top can develop its signature sticky texture.
Make the Frosting
- Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the molasses and chill the frosting slightly before spreading it over the rested cake.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake
This gingerbread cake recipe is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves classic holiday desserts. The cake is moist, warmly spiced, and full of deep flavor, while the cinnamon molasses frosting adds a creamy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
With its soft texture, bold spice, and luscious frosting, this Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting deserves a place on any festive dessert table. It is a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that brings sweetness, warmth, and holiday cheer in every bite.
Enjoy!
