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Easy Christmas Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Easy Christmas Gingerbread Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

This Easy Christmas Gingerbread Cake is a moist, spiced treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, this three-layer cake is generously frosted with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, making it a festive centerpiece for any Christmas gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups molasses
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 6 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease three 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Set the prepared pans aside for later use.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, warm water, room temperature buttermilk, and eggs for 30-60 seconds until well combined.
  3. Add Spices and Leavening Agents: Add ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Mix for 10-15 seconds until evenly incorporated.
  4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until just combined and no white specks remain. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mixture.
  5. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, about 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until reaching a spreadable consistency.
  7. Assemble and Frost the Cake: Once cakes are completely cooled, place the first layer on a cake stand or platter. Frost between each layer and then cover the top and sides evenly. Decorate as desired.
  8. Store and Serve: Store the cake in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Slice and serve when ready.

Notes

  • The cake layers must be completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
  • For more intense ginger flavor, you may increase ground ginger to 3 tablespoons if desired.
  • Molasses contributes to the rich flavor and moisture; do not substitute with honey or syrup.
  • To keep the cake fresh, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • You can decorate with festive sprinkles, nuts, or candied ginger on top.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar to 4-5 cups.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cake, gingerbread cake, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting, spiced cake, ginger cake recipe

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/easy-christmas-gingerbread-cake-recipe/