I’m dreaming of the holidays just thinking about this Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Molasses Frosting. There’s something magical about the way the warm spices and deep molasses flavor come together in each bite. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a cold winter day. The cake is perfectly moist, while the frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Want to know my secret for making it absolutely irresistible to everyone at your holiday table?
Why You’ll Love this Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Molasses Frosting
Warmth. That’s what this gingerbread cake brings to your home and heart. The rich blend of ginger and cinnamon creates that classic, cozy flavor we all crave when the weather turns cool.
I’m obsessed with how the molasses adds depth without overwhelming sweetness. The cake itself? Perfectly moist, with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
But the frosting, oh my goodness. The combination of butter, powdered sugar, and that hint of molasses and cinnamon creates something magical.
It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
What Ingredients are in Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Molasses Frosting?
To make this comforting gingerbread cake, you’ll need ingredients that bring together those classic warm spices with rich molasses for that quintessential holiday flavor.
For the cake:
- 2½ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup molasses
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
For the frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
I recommend using unsalted butter if you have it, which allows you to control the salt level in the recipe.
Room temperature eggs will incorporate more smoothly into your batter than cold ones straight from the fridge.
How to Make this Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Molasses Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing your 2½ cups of flour with 2 teaspoons of ginger and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a large bowl. Getting these dry ingredients well-combined guarantees those warm spices are distributed evenly throughout your cake. Using a premium baking tools set will make the mixing process more efficient and precise.
Step 2: Create Your Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, blend 1 cup of molasses with ½ cup of butter, 1 cup of hot water, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The hot water helps the butter melt and activates the baking soda, giving your cake that perfect rise we’re looking for.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Now gently beat in your 2 eggs to the wet mixture. Room temperature eggs work best here as they incorporate more smoothly without shocking the warm ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can make your cake tough, so think of this as a gentle introduction between new friends—they just need to get acquainted, not become inseparable.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or when the cake springs back slightly when touched.
Step 6: Let It Cool Completely
Here’s where patience becomes your secret ingredient. Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. Nobody wants a frosting waterfall situation on their hands, which is exactly what happens when warm cake meets butter-based frosting.
Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting
Beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of molasses, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth and fluffy. This frosting is like a cozy blanket for your cake—warm spices complementing the gingerbread perfectly.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread your cinnamon molasses frosting over the completely cooled cake. The contrast between the dark, rich cake and the sweet, spiced frosting creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it’s delicious.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Molasses Frosting
This deeply spiced cake deserves perfect companions to bring out its best qualities. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a cloud-like contrast to the dense, rich texture.
For a cozy winter dessert moment, serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream—watching it melt into the cake is practically meditative.
A strong cup of black coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully, while chai tea echoes those warm spice notes.
For breakfast (yes, we’re calling this breakfast-appropriate!), a side of fresh orange segments provides bright acidity that balances the molasses depth.
And if you’re feeling fancy? Drizzle each slice with a touch of warm caramel sauce—because sometimes more is definitely more when it comes to comfort food.
Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Molasses Frosting Substitutions and Variations
- Seasonal twists: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped cranberries during winter or add orange zest to brighten the flavor profile.
- Garnish ideas: Dust with powdered sugar for simplicity, sprinkle with crushed gingersnaps for crunch, or top with candied orange peel for a sophisticated finish.
- Make it vegan: Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) to replace the eggs.
Leftovers and Storage for this Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Molasses Frosting
This gingerbread cake actually gets better with time! The spices meld and deepen overnight, making day-two slices something to look forward to. Here’s how to keep it at its best:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. A cake dome works perfectly if you have one.
- Refrigeration: If your kitchen is warm or you’ve used a cream cheese variation in the frosting, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Just bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer option: Unfrosted cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prevent drying: Place a slice of bread in the storage container—it’ll give up its moisture to the cake instead of letting the cake dry out.
Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting captures everything wonderful about cool-weather baking—rich molasses depth, warming spices, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
What makes it truly special is its versatility; dressed up for holiday gatherings with a dusting of powdered sugar, or served on a quiet Sunday afternoon with coffee.
The simplicity of the ingredients belies its complex flavor profile, bringing together ginger’s gentle heat with cinnamon’s sweet warmth.
Perfect for those moments when you need something that feels like a hug in dessert form, this cake reminds us why certain flavors have comforted generations of bakers and their lucky guests.
