Indulge in the Festive Delight: Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting
As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of gingerbread filling the air. If you’re looking to bring the cozy flavors of the season into your home, look no further than this delightful Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting recipe. With its rich blend of spices and luscious frosting, this cake is sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of seasonal cheer, this gingerbread cake is the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and spread some holiday joy!
Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Cake:
- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 9 ounces of milk
- ½ cup of cold, cubed butter
- ½ cup of molasses
- ½ cup of corn syrup
- ½ cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice
For the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting:
- 1.5 cups of powdered sugar
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
- ¼ cup of softened butter
- 3 teaspoons of molasses
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gingerbread Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, molasses, and corn syrup until the butter is melted. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Beat the egg into the cooled molasses mixture until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and beat until creamy and well combined.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread cake.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Nuts and Raisins: For added texture and flavor, you can fold in chopped nuts or raisins into the cake batter before baking.
- Extra Spice: If you prefer a more intense spice flavor, increase the amount of ground ginger, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in the cake batter.
- Garnish Ideas: Decorate the frosted cake with gingerbread cookie crumbs, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time? Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Can I Freeze the Cake? Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
- Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly? Yes, children will love helping to decorate the cake with frosting and festive sprinkles. Just be sure to supervise them when using the oven and other kitchen equipment.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s a modified version of the recipe:
- Almond Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a low-carb flour alternative to reduce the carb content of the cake.
- Sugar Substitute: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of brown sugar and corn syrup to lower the sugar content of the cake and frosting.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Opt for a keto-friendly cream cheese frosting made with powdered erythritol, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract.
With its rich, spiced flavor and creamy frosting, this Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is the perfect dessert to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re baking it for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself to a slice of seasonal indulgence, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of holiday cheer with this irresistible gingerbread cake!
