Name: Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; ½ cup molasses; ½ cup hot water; ¼ cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cream cheese frosting (optional)

Rich with warm spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this Gingerbread Cake Recipe is everything you want in a cozy dessert. Moist, fluffy, and full of deep molasses flavor, it’s the kind of cake that tastes like Christmas but deserves a spot on the table all season long. It fills your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves while baking—a truly heartwarming experience.

It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight and special enough to serve at your next holiday gathering. Plus, it gets even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead desserts, potlucks, or gifting in slices. One bite of that soft crumb and spiced sweetness, and you’ll see why this cake always disappears fast.

Can I Use Molasses Alternatives?

Yes, if you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or a mix of honey and brown sugar. However, true molasses gives the cake that classic depth and rich flavor, so it’s worth keeping in your pantry during baking season.

Ingredients for the Gingerbread Cake Recipe

All-purpose flour: Creates the structure for a soft, tender crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg): Bring the warm, signature flavor of gingerbread.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances spice.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the cake and adds a slight caramel depth.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and gives the cake structure.
Molasses: The star ingredient that adds bold, robust flavor.
Hot water: Helps blend molasses into the batter and keeps the cake moist.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice with a mellow undertone.
Cream cheese frosting (optional but highly recommended): A rich, tangy topping that pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.

How To Make the Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually mix in the hot water and buttermilk, alternating between the two. The batter will be thin, and that’s okay—it helps create a super moist cake.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, top the cake with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flair. Slice and serve!

Serving and Storing Gingerbread Cake

This cake is delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day. Pair each slice with a hot drink like chai, coffee, or spiced cider for an extra cozy treat. For a fancier presentation, pipe the cream cheese frosting and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.

To store, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfrosted cake slices for up to 2 months—wrap each in plastic and foil for best results.

What to Serve With Gingerbread Cake?

Spiced Chai Latte

The warm spices in chai echo the gingerbread flavors perfectly.

Fresh Whipped Cream

A dollop on the side adds lightness and balance to each bite.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

Take the decadence up a notch with a warm caramel topping.

Roasted Pears

Soft, buttery pears contrast beautifully with the dense spice cake.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A chilled scoop next to warm cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

Candied Pecans

Sprinkle over the frosting for crunch and nutty sweetness.

Hot Apple Cider

The ultimate cold-weather pairing with its apple and cinnamon notes.

Want More Spiced Dessert Ideas?

If you love the warm, comforting flavor of this Gingerbread Cake, you might also enjoy these cozy bakes:

Pumpkin Spice Roll wrapped with sweet cream cheese filling.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake that blends classic breakfast with luscious dessert.
Spicy Korean Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you love heat in savory too!
The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, for an over-the-top creamy cinnamon twist.
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake that delivers deep spice and sweet comfort in every slice.