Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe
This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is a moist and warmly spiced dessert, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. The cake features a blend of ginger and cinnamon accented by rich molasses, topped with a sweet, spiced frosting that enhances its deep flavors.
- Author: Sienna
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Molasses Frosting
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the cake.
- Add Molasses and Eggs: Stir in the molasses until fully combined. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring gently to combine all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until the batter is smooth and combined without over-mixing to maintain cake texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, molasses, ground cinnamon, and milk. Mix until smooth to create the cinnamon molasses frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cinnamon molasses frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark molasses in both the cake and frosting.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai or black tea.
- Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: gingerbread cake, molasses cake, cinnamon frosting, holiday dessert, spiced cake