Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

First off—thank you for being here, friend! I’m so excited to share this cozy recipe with you today. My Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is everything you want in a holiday dessert: warmly spiced, soft, and slathered in a creamy frosting that just screams comfort. This cake has been a family tradition in my kitchen since I was little, and I can’t wait for it to become part of your celebrations too.

If you love holiday baking as much as I do, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list for new recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week.

Overview of Recipe Content

This gingerbread cake is the ultimate festive treat—it’s perfect for Christmas dessert tables, a cozy winter tea, or even as a just-because bake when you want the house to smell incredible.

Why you’ll love it:

• Moist and tender texture.
• Rich molasses flavor balanced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
• A frosting that’s creamy, spiced, and absolutely indulgent.
• Easy enough for beginner bakers but elegant enough to impress guests.

What it tastes like:
Each bite is a mix of deep molasses sweetness, warming spice, and a touch of tangy cream cheese from the frosting. Imagine gingerbread cookies turned into a soft, fluffy cake—and then made even better.

Ingredients (Cake Base):

PIN IT

• 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 salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water

Cinnamon Molasses Frosting:

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

Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• 9×13 baking dish or two 8-inch round pans
• Spatula and whisk

Substitutions & Additions:

• Swap molasses with dark corn syrup if unavailable (though molasses gives the best flavor!).
• Add candied ginger for extra zing.
• Top with sugared cranberries for a festive look.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

PIN IT

1. Preheat oven & prep pan – 350°F, grease and flour your pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients – whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Cream butter & sugar – beat until fluffy, then add egg.
4. Add molasses & water – pour in molasses, then slowly mix in hot water.
5. Combine & bake – fold in dry mixture until smooth. Bake 35–40 minutes.
6. Cool cake completely before frosting.
7. Make frosting – beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla until fluffy.
8. Frost generously and enjoy!

What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with:

• Hot apple cider or mulled wine.
• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• A strong cup of coffee or chai latte.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Always measure flour correctly (spoon & level).
• Don’t overmix—the cake will stay soft and tender.
• Chill the frosting for 15 minutes before spreading if your kitchen is warm.

Storage Instructions

• Room temp: 1–2 days, covered.
• Fridge: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then frost.

General Information

Gingerbread dates back to medieval Europe and was a sign of celebration and festivity. Today, gingerbread cake has become a holiday staple in American households—bringing nostalgic warmth to Christmas tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake a day before and frost just before serving.

2. Can I use blackstrap molasses?
It’s too bitter—stick with unsulfured molasses.

3. Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Bake for 18–20 minutes instead.

4. Is this frosting too sweet?
The molasses adds depth and balance, so it’s perfectly spiced.

PIN IT

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is a holiday showstopper—rich, spiced, and heartwarming. If you’re craving more festive inspiration, check out these recipes from my collection:

• Easy Eggnog Cake

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your creations! Leave a review below, share your cake on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes, or tag me on Instagram.

---

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 12 servings)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sugar	Fiber	Sodium
420	65g	15g	5g	44g	2g	210mg

Print