As the holiday season approaches, the comforting scent of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen is enough to bring anyone joy. This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is my go-to recipe for festive gatherings. The very first time I savored this delightful cake at a holiday party years ago, the moist texture and warm spices captured my heart. After some experimentation in my kitchen, I created this recipe, and it has since become a cherished tradition amongst my friends and family.

The harmonious blend of rich molasses, fragrant spices, and a smooth cinnamon molasses frosting makes this cake not only delightful to eat but also feels like a warm embrace on a chilly winter’s day. Whether it’s for a festive dinner, a potluck, or simply a cozy treat for yourself, this cake is sure to become a beloved holiday classic.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
   • Next, incorporate the molasses and the egg, mixing until everything is well combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Ensure you start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer.
   • Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before moving on to the frosting.
5. Make the Frosting:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter, beating them together until smooth and creamy.
   • Then add in the molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
   • Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until your frosting is thick and fluffy.
6. Frost the Cake:
   • Once the cake is completely cooled, generously spread the cinnamon molasses frosting over the top. For a festive finishing touch, consider sprinkling a little ground cinnamon or powdered sugar on top!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Cut the cake into squares or rectangles and enjoy every bite!