Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert perfect for many occasions. It is a warm and spicy cake that fills your home with a wonderful aroma as it bakes. The gingerbread cake is rich and moist, making it a favorite during the holiday season. When you add the smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, it takes this cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This recipe is simple to follow and does not require any fancy ingredients. If you love warm spices and sweet treats, this cake will surely bring a smile to your face.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. First, the combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives this cake a unique flavor that is comforting and festive. Second, this cake is very moist. The addition of hot water and molasses helps make it soft and delicious.

The cream cheese frosting is another highlight. It is creamy and slightly tangy, which pairs perfectly with the sweet cake. This cake is also very easy to make. Even if you are new to baking, you can create this dessert without any hassle.

Lastly, this cake is great for sharing. You can serve it at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or any time you want to treat your family and friends. It not only looks beautiful but also tastes amazing.

HOW TO MAKE Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a straightforward process. You’ll be mixing together dry and wet ingredients, baking the cake, and then preparing the frosting to top it off. Just follow the step-by-step instructions, and you will have a lovely cake ready to serve.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this cake, you will need the following equipment:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester
• Wire cooling racks

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious cake, gather these ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the molasses until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water. Mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with the cream cheese frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and the sides of the cake. Serve and enjoy!

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

You can serve Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in many ways. For a festive touch, decorate the top with extra frosting or sprinkle some ground cinnamon or crushed nuts. This cake is delicious as it is, but you can also add dessert toppings like whipped cream or ice cream to make it even sweeter.

This cake can be cut into slices for serving. Place each slice on a plate and enjoy with friends and family. It works great with hot drinks like coffee, tea, or even warm apple cider.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

To store Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, first, ensure it is completely cooled. You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the weather is warm or humid, it may be best to store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you want to freeze this cake, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reapply frosting, if necessary, before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Gingerbread Cake pairs well with various drinks and sides. It goes nicely with:

• Hot coffee or tea
• Glass of milk
• Vanilla ice cream
• Spiced apple cider
• Creamy whipped cream

You can also serve it with festive cakes or cookies to create a dessert platter for special occasions.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations:

• Spiced Variations: Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.
• Fruity Additions: Fold in chopped apples or raisins to the batter before baking.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunch.
• Different Frosting: Try a chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting.

This flexibility allows you to make the recipe your own each time.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It will give the cake a denser texture but still taste delicious.
2. Is it possible to make this cake without eggs? Yes, you can substitute flaxseed meal or applesauce for eggs to make it vegan. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a mix of 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and freeze it. Just frost it when you’re ready to serve.
4. What can I do if my cake is too dry? If your cake turns out dry, try adding a simple syrup made of sugar and water to the layers before frosting to add moisture.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you want to prepare in advance, there are a few things you can do:

• Bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them in the refrigerator after they cool.
• Prepare the cream cheese frosting and keep it in the fridge. Just re-whip it before spreading on the cake.
• You can also freeze the cake layers for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

By following these tips, you can make the Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting effort-free and enjoy it whenever you wish!

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