Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday dessert, this Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting is your answer! Packed with the comforting spices of the season and topped with a luxurious frosting, this cake is a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to bring joy to your table. 🎅✨

Ready to make your holidays extra sweet? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake

• Festive Flavors: The combination of molasses and warm spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves) screams holiday magic.
• Rich Frosting: The eggnog cream cheese frosting is luscious and perfectly complements the spiced cake.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the layers intimidate you—this recipe is simple, straightforward, and rewarding!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a holiday potluck or a cozy family dinner, this cake is sure to impress.

What Does This Cake Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a perfectly moist slice of gingerbread cake—it’s a delightful balance of sweet molasses, aromatic spices, and a touch of caramel-like depth. The eggnog cream cheese frosting adds a creamy richness with a hint of nutmeg, rounding out every bite with holiday cheer. It’s a festive hug for your taste buds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Gingerbread Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (for garnish)

And For Decoration:

• Festive sprinkles (red and green)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Tools You’ll Need

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Spatula for frosting
• Cooling rack
• Whisk and measuring tools

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Gingerbread Cake

• Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, mixing well, then stir in molasses.
• Combine Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with boiling water. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
• Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition.
• Stir in vanilla extract and eggnog. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

3. Assemble the Cake

• Once cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over the first cake layer.
• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly.

4. Decorate the Cake

• Scatter red and green sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
• Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Optional: Pipe frosting swirls for texture and sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg for an aromatic finish.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake

Pair this festive cake with:

• A warm mug of spiced cider or hot cocoa.
• A glass of chilled eggnog for a flavor match made in heaven.
• Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a fruity contrast.

Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: For a tender cake, mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt—be patient!
• Customize: Add a pinch of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Can I substitute eggnog in the frosting?

If you’re not an eggnog fan, heavy cream with a splash of vanilla works beautifully.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes! A 9×13-inch pan works well, though the baking time may vary slightly.

Wrap-Up: Celebrate the Season with a Slice of Joy

This Gingerbread Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you want in a holiday dessert: flavorful, festive, and irresistibly cozy. Whether it’s a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner or a treat for a quiet winter evening, this cake will make your holiday season sweeter.

Looking for more holiday-inspired desserts? Try these festive favorites:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies
• Gingerbread Cake
• Christmas Cake – A Festive Masterpiece

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