Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking to win hearts at your next gathering (or simply crave a little cozy comfort at home), you absolutely have to try this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s one of those rare desserts that captures the very essence of the holidays: deeply spiced, impossibly moist, and slathered in an irresistibly tangy-sweet frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want the soothing aroma of warm gingerbread wafting through your kitchen, this cake delivers joy by the forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is wonderfully simple, but each component is crucial for creating the perfect balance of warm spices, rich molasses, and that pillowy-soft frosting. Don’t skip or skimp—these essentials are what turn a humble cake into something magical.

• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and moisture for both the cake and the frosting, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes and keeps the cake nice and tender.
• Molasses: The star ingredient; brings depth, color, and a signature gingerbread taste—you can’t have classic gingerbread without it!
• Large egg: Provides structure and helps bind the batter together.
• All-purpose flour: Builds the sturdy, yet soft, crumb that holds up perfectly under the plush cream cheese frosting.
• Baking soda: Gives the cake its beautiful lift and helps balance the acidity of the molasses.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a familiar holiday aroma.
• Ground ginger: Offers the signature zing that makes gingerbread absolutely addictive.
• Ground cloves: A little goes a long way—just enough to add complexity and depth.
• Salt: Enhances every other flavor in the cake, especially those delicious spices.
• Hot water: Helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures a moist, tender crumb.
• Cream cheese (softened): The secret to a rich, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the spicy cake.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without grittiness, yielding that velvety finish you love.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash in the frosting to tie all the flavors together with aromatic warmth.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature for even baking. Generously grease a 9×9 inch baking pan, making sure to get into all the corners—parchment paper lining helps ensure a flawless release later. This crucial step is the quiet hero for keeping your Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting perfectly intact and stress-free to serve.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Gently melt your butter (either in the microwave or a saucepan) and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, molasses, and egg. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and glossy. This combo sets the deep, caramel-spiced foundation of the cake—it’s already starting to smell fantastic!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. This careful blending ensures those beautiful spices distribute evenly, so every bite sings with flavor. Take a second to admire the color and aroma; these dry ingredients are about to transform your kitchen into a holiday haven.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then, slowly stream in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth and pourable. The hot water activates the baking soda and melds the flavors, guaranteeing that signature soft and springy gingerbread crumb.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will fill with waves of warm, spicy aromas—a sure sign the holidays are unofficially underway. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until ultra-creamy. Slowly fold in the powdered sugar, then drizzle in the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy, luscious, and utterly lick-the-spoon worthy. Chill the frosting slightly if you’d like a firmer texture for spreading.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is totally cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, swirling it into inviting peaks and valleys. For the best presentation, use an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Slice, serve, and get ready for those delighted “oohs” and “aahs.” Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has never looked (or tasted) better!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

This cake stands beautifully on its own, but a little garnish truly makes it special. Try a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top for a festive touch. A scatter of candied ginger or even tiny holiday sprinkles can add a playful, celebratory vibe to your Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Fresh orange zest is also a lovely accent, bringing a bright pop that contrasts perfectly with the spices.

Side Dishes

Pair a square of this cake with a piping-hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for an ultra-comforting treat. If you’re serving a holiday meal, balance the richness of the cake with fresh fruit—think a bowl of pomegranate seeds or orange segments. Vanilla bean ice cream is never out of place here and adds extra indulgence to every bite of your Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, turn slices of Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into trifles by layering them in glasses with extra frosting and crushed gingersnaps. Or, cut the cooled cake into festive shapes with cookie cutters and pipe the cream cheese frosting decoratively on top for a playful dessert platter. Individual mini cakes or cupcakes are also beautiful for gifting or personal treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator. Since the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s safest to store it chilled—just place pieces in an airtight container and they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, then frost as usual. While cream cheese frosting can be frozen, it may lose some of its creamy texture, so it’s best applied fresh.

Reheating

If you want to serve the cake warm (without melting the frosting), cut a slice and let it sit out until room temperature or microwave it in 10-second intervals just to take the chill off. Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is also delicious straight from the fridge if you like a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

FAQs

Can I make Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it wrapped at room temperature. Prepare the frosting separately, then assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

What if I don’t have molasses?

While molasses is essential for authentic flavor, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and brown sugar in a pinch, though the taste and color will be a bit lighter.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Keep a close eye on the bake time; it may need a few extra minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend—just be sure it contains xanthan gum if you want a similar structure. The cake might be a bit more delicate, but still delicious.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting is what really sets this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting apart! If you’re short on time, a good-quality ready-made frosting will still work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to start stirring, frosting, and savoring every bite of this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. From its cozy spice to its creamy finish, this is the kind of treat you’ll want to share—and keep—on your holiday table year after year. Give it a try and let the warmth and flavor brighten your day!

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