Gingerbread Cake Cream Cheese Frosting

Nothing beats the aroma of gingerbread cake baking in the oven when the cold season rolls in. This moist gingerbread cake with tangy cream cheese frosting is a centerpiece for any holiday table or cozy get-together. Every bite tastes of warmth and nostalgia and has just the right mix of sweet and spice.

I remember baking this cake last December right before my in-laws arrived for their first visit. The scent of ginger and cinnamon greeted them at the door and we ended up sharing stories around the table all evening.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: brings rich flavor and tender crumb Use European style for extra creaminess
• Brown sugar: provides warmth and moisture Choose soft dark brown sugar for deepest flavor
• Molasses: gives the classic gingerbread taste and color Look for unsulphured for best results
• Large egg: binds everything and keeps the cake light
• All-purpose flour: balances sturdiness with a tender texture Sift if possible for a fluffier cake
• Baking soda: reacts with molasses to create rise Check freshness for best lift
• Ground cinnamon: supplies sweet warmth Use Ceylon if you prefer a softer flavor
• Ground ginger: adds signature zing Fresher ground makes a noticeable difference
• Ground cloves: intensifies the spice profile A little goes a long way
• Salt: balances sweetness and brings out spice notes Use fine sea salt
• Hot water: blends the batter smoothly and keeps it moist
• Cream cheese: forms the tangy base for frosting Let it come to room temp for smooth mixing
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the frosting and brings structure Sift before adding to avoid lumps
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the sweetness and enhances the warmth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

Beat the butter and brown sugar together until pale and fluffy usually about three to five minutes with a mixer on medium This step builds a soft airy base for the cake

Add Wet Ingredients:

Add in the molasses and egg Mix well until smooth The mixture will look deep and glossy at this point

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk the flour baking soda cinnamon ginger cloves and salt Mixing the dry ingredients first evenly distributes the flavors and leavening so you get a consistent crumb

Alternate Mixing in Liquids:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in thirds mixing gently Alternate with adding the hot water A gentle hand keeps the cake tender and alternating ensures no lumps

Prepare and Bake:

Pour the batter into a greased and lined eight or nine inch square baking pan Smooth out the top and tap the pan to release any air bubbles Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for thirty five to forty minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean Let it cool completely before frosting

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until soft and smooth Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla beating until light Spread generously over cooled cake

Save

Every time I spread that creamy frosting over the spicy cake I think back to frosting cakes with my grandmother on wintry afternoons Her favorite part was licking the spoon and mine was always piling on extra frosting

Storage Tips

Keep the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days Set slices out for thirty minutes before serving so the texture softens Place parchment between layered slices if stacking in a container

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegan butter and dairy free cream cheese for a fully dairy free version Swap maple syrup for half the molasses if you prefer a lighter taste Out of brown sugar Try coconut sugar for deeper caramel flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve with hot coffee mulled cider or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream Dust with a bit of cinnamon or ginger on top for an elegant finish Individual squares wrap beautifully for gifting

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a moist gingerbread cake?

Use hot water to loosen the batter, blend softened butter thoroughly, and avoid overbaking to preserve moisture.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered. Add the cream cheese frosting just before serving for freshness.

→ What spices are essential in gingerbread cake?

Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves form the traditional spice combination for deep, aromatic flavor.

→ How do I get smooth cream cheese frosting?

Let the cream cheese and butter soften fully before beating. Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps and blend until creamy.

→ Can this cake be frozen?

Yes, freeze the cooled cake layers tightly wrapped. Thaw before adding freshly whipped cream cheese frosting.