Gingerbread Cake Recipe

If your kitchen doesn’t smell like Christmas, you’re doing it wrong. This gingerbread cake brings that cozy holiday aroma that makes neighbors “accidentally” drop by. It’s warm, spicy, and so fluffy you’ll want to hug it. Don’t worry, no gingerbread men were harmed in the making of this cake.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This gingerbread cake is soft, moist, and rich in flavor. It blends molasses, brown sugar, and classic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s simple to make and perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any random Tuesday that needs a little cheer.

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Prep Details

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 9 slices
Calories per serving: About 290

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup hot water

Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In one bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Add molasses and egg: Stir in the molasses, then the egg. Mix well.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture, alternating with hot water. Stir until smooth.
6. Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let it cool on a rack before slicing. Try to resist eating it straight from the pan, good luck with that.

Quick Tip

For extra flavor, add a dash of orange zest to the batter. It brightens up the spice and gives it a citrus kick.

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Serving Ideas

Top it with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Storage

Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. It also freezes well for up to a month.

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Closing Thought

This gingerbread cake proves that simple ingredients can bring big joy. It’s sweet, spiced, and cozy, like a holiday hug in cake form. Bake it once, and you’ll wonder why it’s not December every day. Just be ready, your kitchen might become the new favorite spot in the neighborhood.