Introduction
Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of gingerbread filling your kitchen, teasing your taste buds with its rich and spicy scent. Now, picture that same delightful flavor in the form of a moist and decadent cake, topped with a luscious Cinnamon Molasses Frosting. This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting recipe is a true delight for the senses, perfect for cozy evenings by the fireplace or festive gatherings with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The spiciness of the gingerbread cake is complemented beautifully by the sweet warmth of the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting, creating a harmonious blend that will leave you craving more. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat with your morning coffee.
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free, making it a suitable option for a wide range of preferences and needs.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cake:
– All-purpose flour
– Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves
– Baking soda and salt
– Unsalted butter
– Brown sugar
– Molasses
– Eggs and buttermilk
– Vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting:
– Cream cheese
– Unsalted butter
– Powdered sugar
– Cinnamon and nutmeg
– Molasses
– Vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting.
– Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
– For a more intense ginger flavor, add a touch of grated fresh ginger to the cake batter.
– To achieve a smooth and creamy frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding chopped crystallized ginger to the cake batter for a burst of sweetness and texture. You can also experiment with different spices in the frosting, such as cardamom or allspice, to create a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is best enjoyed with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is simply divine.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the cozy flavors of the holiday season with this delightful Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with its warm spices and sweet notes. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort in every bite.
Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting
A moist and decadent gingerbread cake topped with a luscious Cinnamon Molasses Frosting, perfect for cozy evenings by the fireplace or festive gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat in molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, nutmeg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, frost it with the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting.
- Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
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