I’ve spent years perfecting dishes that are both comforting and easy to prepare, inspired by my own love for balanced, family-friendly meals. This moist gingerbread cake recipe with rich molasses frosting is a favorite on Eminent Recipes because it’s customizable, simple to make, and packed with warm spices. Whether for a casual weeknight dessert or a special holiday treat, this gingerbread cake recipe brings joy to every kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about a homemade gingerbread cake recipe that fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of spices and sweet molasses. This moist gingerbread cake recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions, combining ease of preparation with rich, comforting flavors. With simple ingredients and a quick, family-friendly method, you can create the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world right in your own kitchen. The sweet molasses frosting adds a luscious finish, making it an irresistible treat for kids and adults alike. Customizable and forgiving, this gingerbread cake recipe is perfect for adding your own twists, whether you want extra spices or a drizzle of chocolate. From one-pot convenience to crowd-pleasing holiday dessert, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves moist, spiced cakes with a touch of nostalgia. Following this recipe ensures you get consistent results every time, making it the ultimate go-to gingerbread cake recipe for home bakers everywhere.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Creating the perfect gingerbread cake recipe starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. All-purpose flour provides structure, while baking soda ensures the cake rises perfectly. Ground spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg give the cake its signature warm, festive flavor. Molasses adds deep sweetness and moistness, complementing the richness of butter and brown sugar. Eggs bind the ingredients and create a tender crumb, while buttermilk balances flavors and adds subtle tang. Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making this moist gingerbread cake recipe both comforting and irresistible. Using these carefully chosen ingredients ensures you achieve the best gingerbread cake recipe every time, ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simple weeknight indulgence.

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan):
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup molasses
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar/lemon juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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How to Make This Recipe
Making the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world is easier than it sounds when you understand the process and ingredients. This moist gingerbread cake recipe combines warm spices, molasses, and simple pantry staples to create a tender, flavorful cake. Butter and brown sugar provide richness, while eggs and buttermilk keep it soft. The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives this gingerbread cake recipe its classic, comforting flavor. Using molasses ensures deep sweetness and a moist texture, while the vanilla enhances the overall aroma. This easy gingerbread cake recipe is perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers, whether you want an old fashioned gingerbread cake recipe or a modern twist like gingerbread cake recipe Mary Berry. Top with cream cheese frosting for a festive finish, or bake as a gingerbread loaf recipe for a simple yet delightful cake recipe perfect for any occasion.
🛒 Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan.
In a bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
In a separate large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add ½ cup molasses, 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until smooth for the moist gingerbread cake recipe.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting or serving as a gingerbread loaf recipe.
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Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world comes down to understanding how each ingredient affects the cake. Molasses is key to a moist gingerbread cake recipe, giving it rich flavor and deep color. Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg provide the warm, classic taste that makes this gingerbread cake recipe easy to recognize and love. Using butter or oil correctly ensures a tender crumb, while proper mixing of wet and dry ingredients prevents a dense cake. Choosing quality eggs, fresh spices, and real vanilla extract elevates this old fashioned gingerbread cake recipe. Whether you’re following gingerbread cake recipe Mary Berry or adapting the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world allrecipes, these tips guarantee consistent results. Frost with cream cheese frosting for a sweet, tangy complement, or enjoy it plain as a gingerbread loaf recipe.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use ½ cup molasses for maximum moisture and flavor in your moist gingerbread cake recipe.
Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure even spice distribution.
Cream butter and brown sugar thoroughly to achieve a light, tender crumb.
Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense texture.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes; check doneness with a toothpick.
Allow cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting or serving as a gingerbread loaf recipe.
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FAQs
What makes this gingerbread cake so moist?
Using molasses, butter, and buttermilk in the batter helps create a tender, moist texture that makes this gingerbread cake irresistible.
Can I make this gingerbread cake recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, this recipe is straightforward, with simple steps and common ingredients, perfect for first-time bakers.
What is the best way to store gingerbread cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Can I use a gingerbread loaf pan instead of a round pan?
Absolutely. Baking times may vary slightly, but the flavor and texture remain excellent when using a loaf pan.
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This gingerbread cake recipe is a perfect blend of warm spices, rich molasses, and tender, moist cake that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or a cozy weeknight treat, this easy gingerbread cake recipe delivers consistent, delicious results. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and optional cream cheese frosting, it’s a versatile and satisfying dessert. Try this recipe and enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic gingerbread cake that everyone will love.
Print
Gingerbread Cake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist, deeply spiced, and slightly sweet, this gingerbread cake captures the essence of the holidays. Perfect for serving with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan):
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup molasses
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar/lemon juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan or 8×8-inch square pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Molasses & Eggs:
Beat in molasses, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine with Dry Ingredients:
Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake:
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes (round) or 40–50 minutes (square), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve:
Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or frosted with cream cheese or vanilla glaze.
Notes
- Molasses Tip: For a deeper flavor, use dark or robust molasses.
- Spice Adjustment: Increase ginger or cinnamon for a stronger spiced kick.
- Make Ahead: Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
