1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:15 GMT Irresistible Desserts
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
By Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:15 GMT

Read it →
A slice of chocolate cake layered with creamy caramel frosting and topped with swirls of frosting, served on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate cake layered with creamy caramel frosting and topped with swirls of frosting, served on a white plate.

This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting brings holiday magic to any table. The blend of warm spices with rich molasses creates something truly special. That creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.

What Makes This Special

The deep molasses flavor paired with warm spices makes this cake unforgettable. That cream cheese frosting brings everything together beautifully making it perfect for celebrations.

What You'll Need

  • Flour: Our sturdy base.
  • Baking Soda: For perfect rise.
  • Ginger: Signature warmth.
  • Molasses: Rich deep flavor.
  • Butter: Makes it tender.
  • Brown Sugar: Keeps it moist.
  • Cream Cheese: For silky frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens perfectly.
  • Hot Water: Helps blend.

Let's Bake

Get ready:
Heat oven prep pans.
Mix dry stuff:
Combine spices flour.
Blend wet things:
Cream butter sugar eggs molasses.
All together:
Mix wet dry water bake golden.
A beautifully decorated chocolate cake with creamy frosting and star anise on top, partially sliced to reveal its layers.
A beautifully decorated chocolate cake with creamy frosting and star anise on top, partially sliced to reveal its layers.

Make It Creamy

Start smooth:
Beat cheese butter light.
Add sweet:
Mix sugar spices molasses.
Finish pretty:
Spread evenly decorate.

Best Tips

Room temp ingredients mix better. Don't overwork the batter. Add pretty touches like candied ginger.

Quick Answers

Make ahead and frost later. Try maple syrup instead of molasses. Line pans well no sticking.

Holiday Joy

This cake brings warmth and cheer to any celebration. Rich spices creamy frosting and that deep molasses flavor create pure holiday magic.

A beautifully decorated chocolate cake on a plate, featuring layers of frosting and topped with pine cone decorations, set against a softly lit, festive background.
A beautifully decorated chocolate cake on a plate, featuring layers of frosting and topped with pine cone decorations, set against a softly lit, festive background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, make up to a day ahead and store in fridge. Let come to room temperature before serving. Unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert toothpick in center - it should come out clean. Cake should spring back when lightly pressed and edges pull slightly from pan.

Why use buttermilk in the recipe?

Buttermilk makes cake tender and moist. Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with regular milk as substitute.

Can I adjust the spice levels?

Adjust ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to taste. Start with recipe amounts first time, then modify in future batches.

Why is my frosting too runny?

Make sure cream cheese and butter are just softened, not melted. Add more powdered sugar if needed for proper spreading consistency.

4.60 from 250 votes

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Prep Time:
20 Minutes
Cook Time:
35 Minutes
Total Time:
55 Minutes
Servings:
16
A slice of chocolate cake layered with creamy caramel frosting and topped with swirls of frosting, served on a white plate.
Rate recipe Print it Pin it Send it

Moist, spiced gingerbread cake topped with creamy cinnamon molasses cream cheese frosting. A perfect festive dessert for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
  • 1/2 cup molasses.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar.
  • 2 large eggs.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • 1 cup buttermilk.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
  • 1/2 cup butter for frosting.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon molasses for frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon for frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla for frosting.

Instructions

1.

1. Prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Line 9x13 pan with parchment.

2.

2. Mix Dry: Whisk flour, leaveners, salt and spices.

3.

3. Mix Wet: Beat butter, sugars, then eggs, molasses and vanilla.

4.

4. Combine: Add dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk.

5.

5. Bake: Pour in pan, bake 30-35 minutes until done.

6.

6. Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, then add sugar and flavorings.

7.

7. Finish: Cool cake completely, frost and decorate.

Notes

  1. Can make buttermilk substitute with milk and vinegar.
  2. Make ahead up to 1 day.
  3. Serve at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 4 g