Description
A delightful blend of spices and sweetness, this gingerbread cake is a perfect dessert for the holiday season, topped with rich cinnamon molasses frosting.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses (for frosting)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually beat in the molasses until well combined.
- Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing in the hot water and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, cream the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the molasses and cinnamon until well combined.
- Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate with sprinkles, candied ginger, or a light dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
- Slice the cake into squares and serve it to your family and friends.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Adjust spices according to your preference for a personalized flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American