Plot Twist: This Fall Season Gingerbread Cake Made 12 People Cancel Their Dinner Plans!

The first hint of ginger and cinnamon in the air always makes me think of gingerbread. This Gingerbread Cake has become a staple in my kitchen during the holiday season—moist, spiced, and just sweet enough to pair perfectly with a dollop of Nutella ice cream or a side of tart cranberry sauce.

The deep, warm flavors of molasses and ginger create a cake that’s rich in taste yet light in texture, and the aroma while baking instantly fills the house with holiday cheer.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how forgiving it is. A lot of spiced cakes can dry out, but thanks to the molasses and brown sugar, this gingerbread stays soft and tender, even days after it’s baked.

The batter comes together quickly, and the combination of ground and fresh ginger adds just the right level of warmth without being overpowering. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or just want a cozy treat to enjoy with a coffee loophole, this Gingerbread Cake is the perfect choice.

Feel free to experiment with toppings and share your favorites—I’ve tried everything from a dusting of powdered sugar to a citrus glaze!

This image shows a freshly baked pineapple cake served warm, topped with banana slices, whipped cream, and drizzled with vanilla cream sauce, ready to enjoy.

Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread cake is a warm, spiced dessert featuring a rich blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. This moist, aromatic cake is perfect for the holiday season, often topped with cream cheese frosting or served with a dollop of whipped cream.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 444 kcal

Equipment

  • Bakin dish
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

Gingerbread Cake

  • fresh whipped cream , for topping
  • bananas for topping
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup very hot water
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsulphered molasses
  • 1 large egg , beaten
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup butter
  • tsp baking soda
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup butter

Instructions
 

Gingerbread Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and smooth.
    This image shows a large bowl with sugar and butter being creamed together until light and smooth using a hand mixer.
  • Add the egg and molasses, mixing well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  • Combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients, stirring until incorporated.
    This image shows a separate bowl with flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt being whisked together to combine the dry ingredients.
  • Gradually add hot water and mix until smooth (the batter will be thin).
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    This image shows the prepared batter being poured into a greased pan and baked in the oven for 20-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Serve warm, topped with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and vanilla cream sauce.
    This image shows sauce being drizzled over cake

Vanilla Cream Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and cream over medium heat.
    This image shows a medium saucepan on medium heat with sugar, butter, and cream being combined and stirred to make a rich vanilla cream sauce.
  • Stir occasionally until the butter melts.
  • Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

Notes

  • For added richness, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
  • Ensure the hot water is added slowly to avoid cooking the eggs in the batter.
NutritionValue
Calories444 kcal
Carbohydrates67 g
Protein4 g
Vitamin A568 IU
 Vitamin C0.02 mg
Iron3 mg
Sugar47 g
Calcium93 mg

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Helpful Tip For You!

Tip: Freezing and Thawing Gingerbread Cake

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, allow it to thaw overnight at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, microwave for a few seconds before enjoying it.

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Archie Johnson

Hi! I’m Archie Johnson

Archie Johnson is a San Diego-born home cook who turns her kitchen into a playground of flavors. With a passion for California's vibrant food scene and a knack for creating delicious, approachable recipes, she's on a mission to show that great cooking is about joy, not perfection.

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