The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread is unmistakable – warm and inviting. For me, it’s more than just a delicious treat; it’s a nostalgic symbol of the holiday season. As my birthday falls on Christmas Day, I’ve grown fond of celebrating with this classic gingerbread cake recipe, which never fails to impress. The combination of spices and dark molasses is nothing short of magical, making it an ideal dessert for fall or winter gatherings. There’s something special about gathering around a slice of this moist, flavorful cake, feeling the warmth and coziness of the season.While traditional Christmas cakes are certainly delightful, there’s something uniquely charming about this old-fashioned gingerbread recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort, yet yields impressive results. Perhaps it could become a cherished holiday tradition in your household, just as it has in mine.If you’re looking for more sweet treats to add to your festive repertoire, you might enjoy whipping up some Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats, or trying out this rainbow layer cake, strawberry shortcake, or these mini cone cupcakes. Alternatively, this cake mix coffee cake is another great option.
How to Make this Moist Gingerbread Cake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating well after each addition. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or even get some exercise with a balloon whisk! Pour in the molasses and continue beating until well combined, then mix in the vinegar and milk. Don’t be alarmed if the batter separates at this point – it’s just the vinegar doing its thing.
Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix on low speed until everything is fully incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
For the frosting, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the butter in small increments, beating well between each addition. Once the mixture is light and airy, you can add the salt and vanilla extract. Mix in half of the powdered sugar, then add the remaining amount and beat until fluffy.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it with the vanilla cream cheese frosting and topping it off with some festive sprinkles. You can serve the cake directly from the baking dish or turn it out first – the choice is yours! With this delicious recipe, you can’t go wrong.
Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake FAQs
The classic gingerbread man cake can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other holiday dishes. To do so, make the cake up to three days in advance and store it wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, but refrain from adding frosting or sprinkles until just before serving for optimal results. As for serving, the possibilities are endless. You might enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee, while others may prefer it paired with vanilla ice cream for an added layer of flavor. The cake’s warm spice flavors and moist texture are sure to please, making it a standout even without any additional accompaniments. If you do experience issues with your ginger cake drying out, double-check your oven temperature to ensure accuracy, as cooking too hot can have this effect. Additionally, be mindful of the amount of flour used in the recipe, as excessive amounts can also contribute to dryness. To keep the cake moist, store it in an airtight container.
Gingerbread Cake Recipe
The BEST Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake Recipe
There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread, isn’t there? It’s a scent that immediately transports me to a place of warmth and nostalgia. This old-fashioned gingerbread cake recipe is sure to impress, with its perfect balance of warm spices and rich dark molasses. Whether you’re serving it up as a fall or holiday dessert, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. With its easy prep time and straightforward cooking process, it’s the perfect treat to get you in the holiday spirit.
Instructions
As you prepare to bake your delicious cake, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. If you plan to display it on a platter, position a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper inside. Alternatively, lightly grease the bottom and sides of the same pan using butter or baking spray if you intend to serve the cake directly from the pan. Next, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer, equipped with a paddle attachment. Beat the mixture until it becomes lighter in color, almost creamy. Once this stage is reached, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture starts to exhibit a light and airy texture. With the mixer still running, slowly pour in the molasses and continue beating for about two minutes. Add the vinegar and milk, mixing until they are fully incorporated into the batter. Turn off the mixer, then sift the dry ingredients – comprising flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt – into the wet mixture. Resume mixing at a medium-low speed until all the ingredients are well combined. Pour the final batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes in the preheated oven. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely. When ready to serve, prepare the cream cheese frosting by cutting softened cream cheese into chunks and placing them in the mixer bowl. Beat on high speed until smooth and airy, then reduce the speed to medium-high while adding softened butter a couple tablespoons at a time. Continue this process until all the butter has been incorporated, whipping until light and fluffy. Finally, add salt, vanilla extract, and half of the powdered sugar, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated. Add the remaining powdered sugar and whip on high speed until the frosting is light and airy. If serving the cake on a platter, remove it from the pan and use a long bread knife to slice off any rough edges, providing a clean appearance. Frost the top of the cake with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with festive decorations when ready to serve.