Name: Irresistible Gingerbread Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup dark molasses; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup boiling water

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The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cake wafts through the air, enveloping you in a warm hug. This delightful dessert, with its spiced notes of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, is the epitome of comfort food, reminiscent of cozy winter nights beside the fire.

As you slice into the moist cake, the texture is tender and inviting. Each bite promises a balance of sweetness and spice that dances on your palate. Whether it’s holiday gatherings or a casual afternoon treat, this gingerbread cake will elevate any occasion and leave everyone craving more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This gingerbread cake is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any baking novice
Its rich flavor profile combines warmth and sweetness, making it irresistible
Visually appealing with a golden-brown hue, it looks beautiful on any dessert table
Versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or adorned with whipped cream or icing

I remember one Christmas when my aunt made this gingerbread cake. My cousins and I practically fought over the last slice—such sweet chaos!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it gives the cake a lovely structure.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
Baking Soda: This helps your cake rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Ground Ginger: The star ingredient! Use high-quality ginger for a robust flavor.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that perfectly complements the ginger; choose freshly ground for maximum aroma.
Nutmeg: A pinch adds depth; don’t go overboard or it can overpower other flavors.
Salt: Just a small amount enhances all the flavors in your cake.
Eggs: These provide richness; room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
Molasses: Dark molasses adds moisture and a deep flavor; it’s what makes this cake special!
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist without adding too much flavor; you can also use melted butter if preferred.
Boiling Water: Adding hot water activates the molasses, enhancing its richness in flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray for easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. The aroma should be heavenly at this stage.

Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in eggs, molasses, vegetable oil, and boiling water into your dry mix. Stir gently until everything is just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cake fluffy.

Pour Into Pan: Carefully transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top—this ensures even baking and looks pretty too.

Bake It Up!: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The kitchen will smell like pure joy!

Cool Down Time!: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Patience is key here as you resist diving right in!

Enjoy making this gingerbread cake that fills your home with festive aromas while creating unforgettable memories!

You Must Know

A great gingerbread cake not only fills your home with warm spices but also makes for a delightful treat any time of year
The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses will have your neighbors knocking on your door for a slice

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then gradually add eggs and dry ingredients. This order ensures even mixing, resulting in a moist gingerbread cake.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out molasses for honey or maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can elevate the flavor and texture of your gingerbread cake.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover gingerbread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back its warm, soft goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always measure flour correctly; too much can lead to a dry cake
Use fresh spices for a more robust flavor that will impress everyone
Don’t skip letting the batter rest before baking; it helps develop the flavors

The first time I made gingerbread cake was during a snowstorm, and my friends couldn’t get enough! Their laughter filled the kitchen as they devoured every last crumb.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free flour for this gingerbread cake?

Yes, gluten-free flour works well, but adjust liquid ingredients slightly for the best texture.

How long should I bake the gingerbread cake?

Bake your gingerbread cake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I freeze leftover gingerbread cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to three months for future enjoyment.