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Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 148 reviews

This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is a moist, spiced dessert perfect for the holiday season. Infused with classic gingerbread spices and rich molasses, the cake is topped with a creamy cinnamon-spiked molasses frosting, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and sweetness that will delight any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream butter and sugars. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
  4. Add eggs. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next for a uniform texture.
  5. Add molasses. Gradually mix in the molasses until the wet mixture is well combined and smooth.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the hot water and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  7. Pour and spread batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake the cake. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
  9. Cool the cake. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Prepare frosting base. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Add powdered sugar. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until fully incorporated and the frosting is thick.
  12. Add molasses and cinnamon. Mix in the molasses and ground cinnamon until well combined for that signature spicy sweetness.
  13. Adjust frosting consistency. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until you reach the desired spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
  14. Frost the cake. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cinnamon molasses frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
  15. Decorate. Optionally, garnish with sprinkles, candied ginger, or a dusting of cinnamon for extra festive presentation.
  16. Serve. Slice the cake into squares and serve to enjoy this comforting, spiced treat.
  17. Storage. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For a deeper molasses flavor, use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses.
  • Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes.
  • The cake can be made a day ahead; frost just before serving for best texture.
  • If frosting is too thick, add more milk sparingly; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  • For dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: gingerbread cake, cinnamon molasses frosting, holiday dessert, spiced cake, molasses cake, homemade gingerbread

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/gingerbread-cake-with-cinnamon-molasses-frosting-recipe/