Gingerbread Cake

Everyone loves this Gingerbread Cake recipe topped with vanilla cream sauce, bananas, and whipped cream. It’s perfect for the holidays and any cozy gathering. This cake combines warm spices and rich molasses, creating a delightful aroma that fills your home. Its moist texture and sweet toppings make it a favorite among friends and family, ensuring it will be the highlight of your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Gingerbread Cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
• Flavorful Spices: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves gives this cake its signature taste that captures the essence of the season.
• Versatile Toppings: Top with fresh bananas, whipped cream, or vanilla sauce to customize each slice to your liking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas or a cozy family gathering, this cake fits right in at any celebration.
• Deliciously Moist: The use of molasses ensures that every bite is rich and moist, leaving you wanting more.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly; great for creaming butter and sugar.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect size for even baking of your Gingerbread Cake.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Gingerbread Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 cup unsulphered molasses
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup very hot water

For Toppings

• Bananas (for topping)
• Fresh whipped cream (for topping)

For Vanilla Cream Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Gingerbread Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until smooth and light.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the beaten egg and molasses to the mixture. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring. Slowly pour in the hot water and stir until everything is smooth. Note that the batter will be thin.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm topped with fresh sliced bananas, whipped cream, and drizzle over with vanilla cream sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Gingerbread Cake!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread Cake is a delightful treat, especially during the holiday season. Its warm spices and comforting flavors make it perfect for various serving suggestions.

Classic Toppings

• Fresh Bananas: Sliced bananas add natural sweetness and a nice texture contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the cake’s rich flavors beautifully.
• Vanilla Cream Sauce: A drizzle of vanilla cream sauce enhances the overall sweetness and adds a creamy element.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm gingerbread cake creates a delightful contrast in temperature.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: This spiced ice cream will echo the flavors in the cake, enhancing your dessert experience.

Serve with Fruit Compote

• Apple Compote: Warm apple compote offers a fruity tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Berry Medley: A mix of fresh berries can add freshness and brightness to each bite.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cake

To achieve the perfect Gingerbread Cake, follow these simple tips to ensure your dessert turns out moist and flavorful.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor. Old spices may lack potency.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key; use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cake. A few lumps are okay!
• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary; check your cake 5 minutes before the suggested bake time.
• Let It Cool Properly: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread Cake pairs well with various side dishes that can complement its rich flavors. Here are some delicious options:

1. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar provide a crunchy contrast.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup serves as a warm appetizer that pairs nicely with sweet desserts.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can balance the sweetness of the gingerbread cake.
4. Caramelized Apples: Sweet caramelized apples add a juicy element that works well with the cake.
5. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad provides brightness and acidity, balancing the rich flavors of gingerbread.
6. Chocolate Mousse: The rich, creamy texture of chocolate mousse offers an indulgent pairing for this spiced dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing for a smooth consistency.
• Skipping the creaming step: Failing to cream the sugar and butter properly can result in a dense cake. Take your time to beat them until light and fluffy for better texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out the cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can develop gluten, making your cake tough. Stir just until combined for a tender crumb.
• Ignoring baking time: Opening the oven door frequently can lead to temperature fluctuations. Check for doneness toward the end of baking without peeking too often.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Gingerbread Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Gingerbread Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Gingerbread Cake that may help you perfect your baking experience.

What makes this Gingerbread Cake special?

This Gingerbread Cake is moist and packed with warm spices, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but note that it may change the texture slightly.

How do I make this cake dairy-free?

To make this Gingerbread Cake dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine and replace heavy cream with coconut cream.

What toppings go well with Gingerbread Cake?

Fresh fruits like bananas, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of vanilla cream sauce complement this cake beautifully.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Whether enjoyed during holidays or any time of year, it’s sure to delight everyone who tries it!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Gingerbread Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, spiced goodness of this Gingerbread Cake, a delightful treat perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. Infused with rich molasses and aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this cake boasts a moist texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with fresh bananas, fluffy whipped cream, and a luscious vanilla cream sauce, each slice is a comforting embrace of flavors. Easy to prepare and versatile enough for any occasion, this Gingerbread Cake promises to be the star of your dessert table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 cup unsulphered molasses
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup very hot water
• Bananas (for topping)
• Fresh whipped cream (for topping)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for vanilla cream sauce)
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, for vanilla cream sauce)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for vanilla cream sauce)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for vanilla cream sauce)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until smooth and light.
3. Add the beaten egg and molasses to the mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring. Slowly pour in the hot water and stir until everything is smooth. Note that the batter will be thin.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm topped with fresh sliced bananas, whipped cream, and drizzle over with vanilla cream sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg