Bake a Delicious Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Ah, the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cake wafting through the air – it’s a sure sign that the holiday season is upon us. This classic treat, with its warm spices and rich molasses flavor, has been a beloved dessert for generations. But when you pair it with a creamy cinnamon molasses frosting, the result is truly magical. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate holiday delight – Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting.

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Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake and Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

To create this mouthwatering gingerbread cake, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. First, gather the dry ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

For the wet ingredients, you’ll need 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup of granulated sugar; 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup of molasses; 1 cup of hot water; and 1/4 cup of buttermilk.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the cinnamon molasses frosting. You’ll need 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups of powdered sugar; 1/4 cup of molasses; 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup of milk (or more as needed); and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Gingerbread Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside.

In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the molasses until fully combined.

Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water and buttermilk, mixing until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 35-40 minutes (for the 9×13 pan) or 30-35 minutes (for the round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the gingerbread cake cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

The secret to this cinnamon molasses frosting is in the perfect balance of flavors. Start by beating the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, molasses, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, adding more milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

The rich, velvety texture of this frosting is the perfect complement to the warm, spicy gingerbread cake. It’s a match made in holiday heaven!

Frosting the Gingerbread Cake

Once your gingerbread cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost it. Spread the cinnamon molasses frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake, ensuring a smooth and even layer. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon on top or add festive holiday decorations to make it even more visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering or cozy evening at home. Serve it with a hot cup of spiced tea, coffee, or even a glass of eggnog for a truly indulgent experience. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Molasses Cookies
• Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Spiced Applesauce Cake

FAQs About Gingerbread Cake and Frosting

What ingredients are essential for making gingerbread cake?

The essential ingredients for gingerbread cake are flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, salt, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and molasses. These ingredients come together to create the classic spiced flavor and moist texture of the cake.

How do I achieve a smooth cinnamon molasses frosting?

To achieve a smooth and creamy cinnamon molasses frosting, it’s important to beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy before gradually adding the powdered sugar, molasses, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract. Beating the mixture well and adding more milk as needed will help you achieve the desired consistency.

Can the gingerbread cake be made ahead of time?

Yes, the gingerbread cake can be made ahead of time. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just be sure to frost the cake right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What is the best way to store gingerbread cake with frosting?

For the best storage, place the frosted gingerbread cake in an airtight container or cover it with a cake dome. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to soften slightly.

Conclusion

Baking a gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of the holiday season. The warm spices, rich molasses, and creamy frosting come together to create a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate gingerbread experience. Happy baking!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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