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There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and this Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Cake captures that festive spirit perfectly! With every bite, you get a taste of winter spices—warm ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—wrapped in a soft, moist crumb. Paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting and decorated with charming holiday elements, this cake becomes the star of any holiday table.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a beautiful centerpiece to wow your guests, this gingerbread cake will deliver cheer and nostalgia in equal measure. Let’s dive right in—you won’t want to miss out on this holiday treasure!
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of molasses and warm spices creates that signature gingerbread taste we all adore.
- Stunning Presentation: Gold sprinkles, mini gingerbread men, and rustic garnishes make this cake almost too beautiful to eat!
- Perfect Texture: Moist, fluffy layers of spiced cake meet creamy frosting for the ultimate bite.
- Versatile & Fun to Decorate: Add your own festive touches with edible glitter, holiday sprigs, or even candied cranberries.
Ingredients for Spiced Gingerbread Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Mini gingerbread men (store-bought or homemade)
- Edible gold sprinkles or edible glitter
- Crushed gingerbread cookies for sprinkling
- Star anise or cinnamon sticks (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag with a star tip for frosting
- Offset spatula for smooth frosting application
How to Make Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Cake
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the molasses until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. Mix until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand and spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with a thick, smooth coat of frosting.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe decorative swirls on the top of the cake.
Decorating the Cake – Festive & Elegant Touches
- Mini Gingerbread Men: Place these adorable cookies standing upright in the frosting swirls to add character.
- Edible Glitter & Sprinkles: Dust the cake lightly with edible gold glitter for that extra holiday sparkle!
- Gingerbread Crumble: Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies around the base for added texture and crunch.
- Natural Garnishes: Use star anise, cinnamon sticks, or even rosemary sprigs to add a rustic, festive charm.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake
This cake pairs wonderfully with hot drinks like mulled wine, chai tea, or eggnog lattes. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for indulgence.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cake
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Be patient!
- Trim the Layers for Evenness: Use a serrated knife to level the tops of your cakes for a clean and professional look.
- Chill Before Serving: For neat slices and firmer frosting, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before cutting.
- Make Ahead: Both the cake layers and frosting can be made a day ahead. Just store the layers at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use blackstrap molasses for this cake?
A: While you can use blackstrap molasses, it has a stronger, more bitter flavor. For a traditional gingerbread taste, stick to regular molasses.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it should work beautifully.
Q: How can I prevent the cake from drying out?
A: Be careful not to overbake. Check for doneness with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark. Also, storing the cake properly (covered and refrigerated) will help keep it moist.
Conclusion – A Festive Masterpiece in Every Bite!
This Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Cake is a holiday essential. From its perfectly spiced layers to the creamy frosting and dazzling decorations, every slice brings joy and warmth to the table. It’s the kind of cake that gets people talking—and asking for seconds! Whether you’re making it for a holiday party or as a gift, this cake will leave an impression long after the last bite.
Looking for more holiday treats? Try these festive recipes:
- Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies – Adorable cookies to hang or snack on!
- Gingerbread Cake – A different spin on this beloved classic!
- Christmas Cake: A Festive Masterpiece – Another showstopper bursting with flavor!
Ready to bake some holiday magic? Be sure to leave a review and share your beautiful cake creations on Pinterest! Tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see how you made this recipe your own. 🎄✨
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 45g
Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Elegant Spiced Gingerbread Cake is filled with warm holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any festive celebration, it’s both beautiful and delicious, with charming decorations like mini gingerbread men and a touch of edible gold. This cake is sure to impress your guests and make any gathering unforgettable!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Mini gingerbread men (store-bought or homemade)
- Edible gold sprinkles or glitter
- Crushed gingerbread cookies for sprinkling
- Star anise or cinnamon sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the molasses until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the hot water, and mix until fully combined.
- Divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Place one layer on a cake stand, spread frosting on top, and add the second layer. Frost the entire cake evenly.
- Decorate the cake with frosting swirls, mini gingerbread men, edible glitter, and crushed cookies. Add star anise or cinnamon sticks for garnish if desired.
Equipment
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- For extra neat slices, refrigerate the cake for an hour before cutting.
- The cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature. Frosting can be refrigerated and softened before use.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg