What is the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world?

The best gingerbread cake recipes in the world balance warm spices, molasses, and moisture. This recipe, whether made as a classic gingerbread loaf or a gingerbread cake mary berry style, delivers a tender crumb and rich flavor, making it a top choice among gingerbread cake recipes. Using oil ensures a moist gingerbread cake recipe every time.

How can I make a moist gingerbread cake?

To make a moist gingerbread cake, incorporate oil or butter along with brown sugar and molasses. Avoid overmixing the batter and bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. This approach works for old fashioned gingerbread cake, gingerbread cake no molasses, or an easy gingerbread cake recipe.

Can I make gingerbread cake without molasses?

Yes, you can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup, golden syrup, or maple syrup. The cake will still have a warm spiced flavor, perfect for a gingerbread loaf or ginger cake, and keeps it moist and tender.

What’s the easiest gingerbread cake recipe for beginners?

The easiest gingerbread cake recipe is one that uses simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, spices, and molasses. Gingerbread cake mixes also work well. This moist gingerbread cake recipe is quick, easy, and customizable for holidays, weeknights, or festive gatherings.

Gingerbread Cake Recipe – Moist, Easy, and Delicious 2026

Description

A warm, spiced gingerbread cake that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for the holiday season—or any cozy day. This easy recipe can be made as a loaf or round cake and is naturally aromatic with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round or loaf cake):

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup molasses (or substitute with dark corn syrup for lighter flavor)
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk

For the Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep & Mix Dry Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Step 2: Cream & Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together butter, oil, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and molasses.
Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 45–55 minutes for a loaf or 35–40 minutes for a round cake, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Optional Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine.

Notes

Moist Cake: Using oil and molasses keeps the cake extra moist.
Make Ahead: Bake a day ahead; store covered at room temperature.
Flavor Variation: Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Dessert / Holiday Cake
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American / European-inspired