Name: Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup molasses; 1 egg; 1 cup hot water; For the Frosting:; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup molasses; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

This gingerbread cake is packed with warm spices and deep molasses flavor, making it the perfect treat for the holiday season. Topped with a rich and creamy molasses-infused cream cheese frosting, this cake is moist, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup molasses

1 egg

1 cup hot water

For the Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup molasses

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing well.
Combine Wet & Dry:
Alternately add the dry ingredients and hot water to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake:
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Prepare Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add molasses and vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until creamy.
Frost & Serve:
Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Spiced Up: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra warmth.

Citrus Twist: Mix in 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the frosting.

Lighter Option: Reduce molasses in the frosting or use Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.

Nutty Addition: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Cupcake Version: Bake in cupcake liners for 18-20 minutes instead.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12 servings
Calories: 350 kcal