Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of gingerbread in this easy Gingerbread Cake recipe. Perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, this cake is a delightful treat for holidays or any time you crave a cozy dessert.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
How to Make Gingerbread Cake:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Molasses: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in molasses until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with hot water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Molasses: Provides a deep, rich flavor characteristic of gingerbread.
- Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg): Infuse the cake with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Butter and Eggs: Create a tender and moist cake texture.
- Hot Water: Helps to dissolve and distribute the molasses evenly throughout the batter.
This easy Gingerbread Cake is perfect served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite, ideal for festive occasions or a cozy evening treat.
