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Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Rich gingerbread cake spiced with warm holiday flavors, topped with cream cheese frosting infused with cinnamon and molasses.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:09:15 GMT
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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. | cookingwithcasey.com

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. Pin it
A beautifully decorated chocolate cake with creamy frosting and star anise on top, partially sliced to reveal its layers. | cookingwithcasey.com

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. Pin it
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. | cookingwithcasey.com

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.

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

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

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 9x13 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 teaspoon baking soda.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1/2 teaspoon salt.
05 2 teaspoons ground ginger.
06 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
07 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
08 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
09 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
10 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
11 1/2 cup molasses.
12 1/2 cup brown sugar.
13 2 large eggs.
14 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
15 1 cup buttermilk.
16 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
17 1/2 cup butter for frosting.
18 3 cups powdered sugar.
19 1 tablespoon molasses for frosting.
20 1 teaspoon cinnamon for frosting.
21 1 teaspoon vanilla for frosting.

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Whisk flour, leaveners, salt and spices.

Step 03

Beat butter, sugars, then eggs, molasses and vanilla.

Step 04

Add dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Beat cream cheese, butter, then add sugar and flavorings.

Step 07

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