This gingerbread cake gets its flavour from molasses, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, and it bakes in a single 9-inch square pan. A fluffy cream cheese frosting goes on once the cake has cooled. Serve slices with hot tea or coffee.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
¾ cup (180ml) molasses
½ cup (120ml) unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup (240ml) hot water
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 cup (230g) cream cheese (softened)
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, molasses, melted butter, and hot water. Stir until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

2. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Frost the Cake:

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For a decorative touch, sprinkle with cinnamon or gingerbread cookie crumbs.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the gingerbread cake and serve. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):

Calories: 360
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugars: 30g
Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 320mg

Tips for Success:

Use high-quality molasses for the best flavour.
Let the cake cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Add a dash of nutmeg for an extra layer of warm spice.

Try this recipe today and share your experience in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does gingerbread cake take to bake?

Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick in the centre comes out clean.

When can I frost the cake?

Let it cool completely in the pan first. A warm cake will melt the cream cheese frosting.

How can I give it more spice?

A dash of nutmeg adds extra warmth. Good-quality molasses also makes a noticeable difference to the flavour.

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