Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting – Best Holiday Dessert

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the rich, spiced scent of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen. This Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is a holiday-inspired dessert that’s indulgent enough for celebrations yet simple enough to enjoy anytime. Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a silky smooth frosting, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or cozying up with a slice on a cold evening, this cake promises comfort in every bite.

Why This Gingerbread Cake Is Worth Making Year-Round

This gingerbread cake isn’t just another seasonal dessert — it’s a standout thanks to its balanced flavors and approachable preparation. The blend of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon creates a deep, warming aroma and taste that scream holiday magic. Plus, it comes together in one bowl with no fancy equipment needed, making it ideal for both novice bakers and pros.

The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the rich spices beautifully. Whether served as the centerpiece for your holiday dessert table or enjoyed as a cozy weekend treat, this Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredient Breakdown and What Each One Does

For the Gingerbread Cake

• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the crumb
• Brown Sugar: Deepens sweetness with molasses undertones
• Molasses: Essential for authentic gingerbread flavor and color
• Large Egg: Binds the batter and adds structure
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cake
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and balances other spices
• Ground Ginger: The bold spice that defines gingerbread flavor
• Ground Cloves: Provides an earthy, slightly smoky finish
• Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens spice flavors
• Hot Water: Helps the batter come together smoothly and bloom spices

For the Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess
• Unsalted Butter: Softens and stabilizes the frosting texture
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a smooth, aromatic finish

Ingredient Swaps and Customizations

If you’re working with dietary preferences or pantry limitations, here are a few handy substitutions to keep your gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting delicious:

• Molasses Alternative: Use dark corn syrup with a squeeze of lemon juice for similar depth
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for the frosting
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum
• No Eggs?: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg as a binding replacement
• Add Citrus Zing: Mix in orange or lemon zest for a bright flavor twist
• Nut Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture variation

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake This Cozy Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the butter over low heat in a medium saucepan. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in brown sugar, molasses, and the egg until smooth.
3. Whisk dry ingredients together in a separate bowl: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients by gradually stirring dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Slowly pour in hot water and mix until batter is silky and lump-free.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
6. Cool the cake completely before applying frosting to avoid melting or separation.
7. Make the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the cooled cake evenly. Slice and serve for the ultimate cozy treat.

Expert Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the flour disappears to avoid a dense cake.
• Use Unsulphured Molasses: It offers deep flavor without bitterness.
• Ensure Ingredients Are Room Temperature: Especially for the frosting, this helps avoid lumps.
• Chill Frosting if Too Soft: Refrigerate for 20 minutes to make it easier to spread.
• Fresh Spices Make a Difference: Check your spice shelf — fresh cinnamon and ginger significantly enhance the flavor.

Serving Ideas and Fun Variations

This Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate or customize it:

• Candied Ginger Topping: Adds a chewy, spicy texture on top
• Orange Glaze Drizzle: Mix powdered sugar and orange juice for a citrusy contrast
• Warm Beverage Pairings: Serve with chai, mulled wine, or spiced cider for the full holiday experience
• Cranberry Sauce Swirl: Add to the frosting or serve alongside for tart balance
• Cupcake Style: Use the batter to make 12 spiced cupcakes — bake for 20–25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Notes

• Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day early and frost the day of serving
• Storing Leftovers: Store frosted cake in the fridge in an airtight container for 3–4 days
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Why This Cake Deserves a Spot on Your Dessert Table

The warm spice profile and creamy frosting make this cake ideal for holidays, but its simplicity makes it great all year. The molasses and ginger combo feels festive, yet comforting — like a hug in cake form. With flexible ingredients and easy instructions, the Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is a reliable go-to that balances tradition and taste.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or enjoying a slice with tea in the quiet of winter, this cake delivers rich flavor and comfort with every bite.

Wrapping It All Up

There’s no doubt that this Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting earns a spot in your seasonal (or year-round) baking lineup. From its deep, molasses-infused crumb to the cloud-like cream cheese frosting, every bite feels like a warm, nostalgic embrace. Whether you serve it as a holiday showstopper or a quiet evening indulgence, this cake promises ease, flavor, and satisfaction in every slice.

So, grab your whisk, heat up that oven, and let the scent of spiced gingerbread fill your kitchen. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this cozy, crowd-pleasing cake is destined to become a baking tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Soft Gingerbread Cupcakes: These moist, spiced cupcakes capture the same cozy holiday flavor as the gingerbread cake, but in single-serve form. They’re topped with creamy frosting and are perfect for parties or gifting.
• Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: This rich banana cake is layered with luscious cream cheese frosting, offering a similar texture and sweetness to the original gingerbread cake, but with fruity undertones.
• Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Recipe: A fan-favorite holiday treat inspired by the coffee shop classic, this spiced loaf brings all the nostalgic gingerbread flavors and pairs wonderfully with your favorite warm beverage.

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