Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m beyond excited to share with you one of my favorite holiday bakes: my Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe. There’s something magical about the smell of warm ginger, cinnamon, and golden syrup filling the kitchen—it instantly makes everything feel cozy.
This cake is soft, moist, and packed with those nostalgic winter spices we all love. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday party, a family Sunday dessert, or just because you crave that comforting aroma of gingerbread, this recipe won’t let you down.
And hey, if you love recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss out on more cozy, seasonal bakes!
Overview of Recipe Content
This gingerbread cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s fluffy yet moist, and every bite is filled with rich molasses-like flavor from golden syrup and brown sugar.
- Why you’ll love it:
- Ready in under an hour.
- Perfect make-ahead holiday dessert.
- Tastes like Christmas in cake form.
- What it tastes like: Warm, earthy, spicy, with hints of caramel from the syrup and sugar. The texture is soft, tender, and perfectly moist.
- When to serve it: Ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter gathering. It also makes a delightful afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
- Nutritional highlight: Ginger is known for its digestive benefits and warming properties—perfect for cold weather!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ½ teaspoon clove powder
- 2 teaspoons ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 100g margarine/butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup golden syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup boiling water
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9-inch square or round baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Substitutions & Additions
- Swap golden syrup with molasses or honey if needed.
- Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Toss in chocolate chips or dried cranberries for festive flair.
How to Make Easy Gingerbread Cake
- Prep the oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt.
- Cream butter & sugar – In a separate bowl, beat margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients – Mix in golden syrup, vanilla essence, and egg until well combined.
- Combine – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently.
- Add boiling water – Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing until smooth and slightly runny.
- Bake – Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool & serve – Let the cake cool before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
The aroma while baking? Absolute heaven!
What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake
- Freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Warm custard sauce.
- A cup of spiced chai or mulled wine.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t skip lining your pan—the syrup makes the cake sticky.
- Add boiling water last to keep the batter smooth and light.
- For a deeper flavor, bake the cake a day ahead—it tastes even better!
Storage Instructions
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
General Information
Did you know gingerbread dates back to medieval Europe? It was considered a luxury treat made with exotic spices brought by traders. Today, it’s a staple of holiday celebrations worldwide—gingerbread men, houses, and cakes alike!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes! Just sift it twice to make it lighter.
What can I use instead of golden syrup?
Molasses or dark corn syrup works beautifully.
Can I make this eggless?
Yes—replace the egg with ¼ cup applesauce or yogurt.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.
Conclusion
This Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe is everything you want in a holiday dessert: warm, spiced, and full of comfort. It’s the kind of cake that brings everyone around the table together.
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Interactive Elements
I’d love to see your gingerbread cake creations! Leave a comment below, share your review, or tag me on Pinterest here so I can see your festive bakes.
Nutritional Information (per slice, 12 servings)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 245 | 40g | 3g | 9g | 24g | 1g | 220mg |
Cozy & Irresistible Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe is soft, moist, and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Perfect for Christmas or cozy winter baking.
Ingredients
2 cups cake flour
1½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
½ teaspoon clove powder
2 teaspoons ginger powder
½ teaspoon salt
100g margarine/butter (softened)
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup golden syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 large egg
1 cup boiling water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch pan.
2. Whisk flour, bicarbonate, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add syrup, vanilla, and egg.
4. Mix dry ingredients into wet.
5. Slowly stir in boiling water until smooth.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool before serving.
Notes
Best enjoyed the next day for deeper flavor.
Serve with whipped cream or warm custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
