Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting

This warm and spiced gingerbread cake is paired with a rich molasses cream cheese frosting for the perfect holiday treat! The combination of aromatic spices, molasses, and a smooth frosting is a classic flavor pairing that’s perfect for colder months.

Ingredients:

For the Gingerbread Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) unsulfured molasses
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) unsulfured molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together molasses, softened butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Carefully add the boiling water to the batter, stirring until smooth. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Beat until fully combined and creamy.
3. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the gingerbread cake is completely cool, frost the top and sides with the molasses cream cheese frosting.
2. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or even some finely chopped candied ginger for a festive touch.

Tips:

• If you’d like a spicier cake, increase the amount of ginger and cinnamon.
• You can also bake the gingerbread in a 9×13-inch baking pan for a sheet cake version.
• For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or some caramel sauce for added sweetness.

Enjoy your Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting—the perfect dessert for cozy winter nights and holiday celebrations!