Description

A rich, warmly spiced gingerbread cake topped with silky cinnamon molasses frosting. Moist, comforting, and fully vegan—perfect for the holidays or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/2 cup unsulphured molasses

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup warm water or brewed coffee

1/2 cup vegan butter, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp molasses

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1–2 tbsp non-dairy milk, as needed

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round or square baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In another bowl, combine molasses, brown sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Add warm water or brewed coffee and mix until batter is smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat vegan butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add non-dairy milk 1 tbsp at a time until desired spreadable consistency is reached.
Frost the cooled cake, slice, and serve.

Notes

Add chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries for texture and flavor.

To make gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze slices for up to 2 months; reheat by bringing to room temp or microwaving for 15–20 seconds.

Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days—whip before using.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg