Irresistibly Moist Gingerbread Cake – 9 Cozy Reasons This Classic Will Melt Your Heart

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By Gianna Poulef

Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Truly, thank you for being here and sharing this little baking moment with me. There’s something magical about the deep aroma of molasses-like honey, warm ginger, and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen. It reminds me of chilly evenings, a hot cup of coffee in hand, and sneaking a slice before it’s even fully cooled.

This Gingerbread Cake is soft, tender, perfectly spiced, and beautifully balanced—not too sweet, not too heavy, just wonderfully comforting. And if you love cozy, nostalgic bakes like this, be sure to subscribe to get more heartfelt recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Now let’s bake something unforgettable.

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is Gingerbread Cake?

Gingerbread Cake is a warmly spiced cake made with ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and honey. Unlike gingerbread cookies, this version is soft, fluffy, and sliceable—perfect for serving with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It fits beautifully into:

  • Holiday dessert tables
  • Fall and winter baking
  • Sunday family dinners
  • Afternoon tea
  • Make-ahead gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly moist texture thanks to oil and honey
  • Warm spice blend that’s cozy but not overpowering
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • One-bowl friendly
  • Perfect balance of sweet and spice

This cake tastes nostalgic yet elegant. It’s the kind of bake that makes guests ask, “Can I get this recipe?”

What It Tastes Like

Imagine:

  • Deep honey sweetness
  • Warm ginger that lingers gently
  • Cinnamon and cloves adding rich depth
  • A soft crumb that melts in your mouth

It’s tender, slightly sticky (in the best way), and incredibly comforting.

Ingredients

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • ½ cup oil
  • ¾ cup water (180 ml total)

Tools You’ll Need

  • 8-inch square or round cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Substitutions & Additions

  • Swap honey for molasses for deeper flavor.
  • Add orange zest for brightness.
  • Stir in chopped walnuts for texture.
  • Top with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper.

There’s something about lining the pan that always feels like the start of something wonderful.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves

The aroma alone will tell you you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

  • Egg
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar
  • Oil
  • Water

Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake tender.

The batter will be thin. That’s perfectly normal and exactly what gives this cake its moist texture.

Step 5: Bake

Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery. I always say this is the moment when patience becomes the hardest ingredient.

Let cool before slicing.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with:

  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Cream cheese frosting
  • Warm caramel drizzle
  • A dusting of powdered sugar

If you love cozy desserts, you might also enjoy:

And don’t forget to pin your baking inspiration on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Use room temperature egg for better blending.
  • Let it rest overnight—the flavor deepens beautifully.
  • If using molasses instead of honey, reduce slightly as it’s stronger.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–6 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

General Information

Gingerbread dates back centuries in European baking traditions. Originally made with molasses and warming spices, it became a winter staple because the spices preserved the cake and provided comfort during colder months.

This honey-based version gives it a lighter, softer crumb while still holding onto that old-world charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses oil instead of butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Bake in a 9×13 pan and extend baking time slightly.

Why is my cake dense?

Overmixing or expired baking powder could cause density.

Can I add frosting?

Yes! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes—bake for 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cake is warm, nostalgic, and incredibly comforting. It’s the kind of cake you bake once and keep in your rotation forever.

If you love spiced bakes, you’ll also adore banana bread or even a chocolate brownie with a hint of cinnamon for something different.

Thank you for baking with me today. Truly, there’s nothing better than sharing a recipe that warms both the kitchen and the heart.

Interactive Elements

If you try this Gingerbread Cake, leave a comment and rating below. I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Share your beautiful slice on Pinterest and tag me at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ so I can see your cozy creation.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, based on 9 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories260 kcal
Carbohydrates35g
Sugar22g
Fat12g
Saturated Fat1.5g
Protein3g
Fiber1g
Sodium120mg
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Irresistibly Moist Gingerbread Cake – 9 Cozy Reasons This Classic Will Melt Your Heart


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

This moist Gingerbread Cake is warmly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, sweetened with honey, and perfect for cozy gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

1 tsp ground ginger

1 large egg

1/2 cup honey

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup oil

3/4 cup water (180 ml)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pan.

2. Whisk together dry ingredients.

3. Whisk egg, honey, brown sugar, oil, and water.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.

5. Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes.

6. Cool before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix.

Flavor improves the next day.

Store covered for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Irresistibly Moist Gingerbread Cake – 9 Cozy Reasons This Classic Will Melt Your Heart
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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