Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting is a warm, spiced dessert perfect for the holiday season. This moist and flavorful cake is infused with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a rich and comforting bite. Topped with a creamy molasses-infused cream cheese frosting, this cake is the ultimate treat for cozy gatherings, Christmas celebrations, or anytime you crave a festive dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm and Spiced – A perfect balance of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Moist and Flavorful – Molasses keeps the cake rich and tender.
- Decadent Frosting – Cream cheese and molasses create a luscious, slightly tangy topping.
- Simple to Make – Easy ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Perfect for the Holidays – A great dessert for Christmas or fall gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Gingerbread Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or buttermilk
For the Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Molasses
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Make the Gingerbread Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square or round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Everything – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk or buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool – Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Make the Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter – In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Molasses – Mix in the powdered sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake – Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Twist – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Citrus Flavor – Stir in a bit of orange zest to the batter or frosting for a fresh twist.
- Nutty Addition – Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting.
- Maple Frosting – Swap molasses for maple syrup in the frosting for a different sweetness.
- Layer Cake – Double the recipe and make it a two-layer cake with extra frosting.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Keep covered for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
- Reheating – Enjoy at room temperature or warm slices slightly in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen after a day, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
What’s the best type of molasses to use?
Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it can be too bitter.
Can I use cream cheese frosting without molasses?
Yes! A classic cream cheese frosting works well too.
How do I keep my cake moist?
Molasses and brown sugar naturally keep the cake moist, but storing it covered also helps.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or golden raisins add great texture.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, a hand mixer or even a whisk works fine.
Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Yes! Buttermilk adds extra tenderness to the cake.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
Yes! Bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature.
How can I decorate the cake?
Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, extra molasses drizzle, or sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously spiced, moist cake perfect for the holidays or any cozy gathering. Its deep molasses flavor and smooth, creamy frosting make it a showstopper dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Try it for your next celebration!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This soft and spiced gingerbread cake is topped with a rich molasses cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect holiday dessert with deep, warm flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in molasses, then slowly add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
- Pour into the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add molasses, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake and serve.
Notes
Add a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra flair.
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