Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Hook: Warm spices, rich molasses, and creamy cinnamon frosting — this Gingerbread Cake is the essence of Christmas in every bite! Perfectly moist, comforting, and festive enough for any holiday table.

🕒 Recipe Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 9–12 slices
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

🛒 Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking soda
1½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
¾ cup molasses
1 cup hot water or strong brewed coffee (for depth of flavor)

For the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp molasses
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt until well combined.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in molasses.

4. Combine Wet & Dry

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water (or coffee). Stir gently until smooth — the batter will be thin.

5. Bake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.

🍯 Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

1. Beat the Base

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.

2. Flavor & Sweeten

Add molasses, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt; beat again. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fluffy and spreadable.

3. Frost & Serve

Spread generously over the cooled cake. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or crushed gingersnaps for a festive finish.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the coffee: It enhances the deep, caramel-like flavor without tasting like coffee.
Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly for both cake and frosting.
Make ahead: Bake the cake a day early, wrap tightly, and frost just before serving.

❄️ Storage

Store frosted cake in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the creamiest frosting texture.
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use blackstrap molasses?
A: It’s more bitter — for best flavor, use regular unsulfured molasses.

Q: Can I make cupcakes instead?
A: Yes! Bake for 18–20 minutes in a lined muffin tin.

Q: What pairs well with this cake?
A: Hot cocoa, chai tea, or spiced cider make the perfect cozy pairing!

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.