Description
This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is a moist, spiced holiday dessert, bursting with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Topped with a rich molasses frosting, it’s perfect for festive celebrations or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water
For the Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup molasses
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Step 1 – Prep Oven & Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan. - Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. - Step 3 – Cream Butter & Sugars:
In a separate bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. - Step 4 – Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in eggs, then stir in molasses until fully combined. - Step 5 – Combine Dry & Wet:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with hot water. Mix until smooth. - Step 6 – Bake Cake:
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely. - Step 7 – Make Frosting:
Whip together butter, cream cheese, molasses, and cinnamon. Gradually add powdered sugar, using milk if needed to reach spreadable consistency. - Step 8 – Frost Cake:
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Substitute honey or maple syrup for molasses for a lighter flavor.
Whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: gingerbread cake, molasses frosting, holiday cake, spiced dessert, festive cake recipe, cinnamon dessert, gingerbread holiday treat, Christmas cake, cozy winter dessert