Gingerbread Cake Recipe – American Special
There’s nothing like a slice of classic Gingerbread Cake to bring warmth and comfort to chilly days. This cake blends spicy ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with rich molasses and brown sugar, creating a moist, aromatic dessert that melts in your mouth. Bound together with tender all-purpose flour, softened butter, and a hint of vanilla extract, it bakes into a soft, cozy treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave something sweetly spiced.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time45 min
- Total Time55 min
Gingerbread Cake Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to make Gingerbread Cake :
Preheat the oven:Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
Mix dry ingredients:In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar:In a large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until smooth.
Add molasses:Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients:Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake the cake:Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve:Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Notes :
Molasses Quality: Use unsulfured molasses for the best flavor—it adds depth and richness without harsh bitterness.
Spice Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to tweak the amount of ginger, cinnamon, or cloves if you prefer a milder spice profile.
Flour Measuring Tip: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing, which can make the cake too dense.
Serving Variations: Serve warm with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Storage & Freezing: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze slices for longer keeping.
