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
Scale
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
Buy Now → 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