Can I use blackstrap molasses for this recipe?

It’s best to avoid blackstrap molasses in this recipe, as it has a much more bitter, intense flavor that can overpower the cake. Stick to unsulphured molasses for the rich, balanced taste that makes this Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting so special.

How do I keep the cream cheese frosting from becoming runny?

To prevent your cream cheese frosting from turning runny, ensure both the butter and cream cheese are softened but not too warm before mixing. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the frosting for 15–30 minutes before spreading it on the cake to help it firm up.

Can I make this gingerbread cake in advance for a party?

Absolutely! The Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for make-ahead prep. Bake the cake up to 2 days in advance , wrap it tightly, and frost it the day you plan to serve . This actually improves the texture and deepens the flavors.

Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting – Best Holiday Dessert

Name: Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture; 1/2 cup brown sugar: Deepens sweetness with molasses undertones; 1 cup molasses: Signature ingredient for gingerbread flavor; 1 large egg: Binds the batter and adds structure; 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure; 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy; 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth; 1 tsp ground ginger: Main spice for gingerbread flavor; 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Adds earthy, smoky depth; 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances spices; 1 cup hot water: Loosens batter and activates spices; 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides tang and creaminess for frosting; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creamy base for frosting; 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting; 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds smooth, warm flavor to frosting

Description

This Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for the holidays or any cozy occasion. Rich molasses, ginger, and cinnamon create a deep flavor base, while the creamy, tangy frosting balances the sweetness beautifully. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture
1/2 cup brown sugar: Deepens sweetness with molasses undertones
1 cup molasses: Signature ingredient for gingerbread flavor
1 large egg: Binds the batter and adds structure
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth
1 tsp ground ginger: Main spice for gingerbread flavor
1/4 tsp ground cloves: Adds earthy, smoky depth
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances spices
1 cup hot water: Loosens batter and activates spices
8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides tang and creaminess for frosting
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creamy base for frosting
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds smooth, warm flavor to frosting

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch pan or line with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Transfer to a large bowl.
Stir in brown sugar, molasses, and the egg until smooth and combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
Slowly pour in hot water and mix until the batter is smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until incorporated.
Add vanilla extract and beat until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Spread frosting over cooled cake, slice, and serve.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter—just until combined to avoid density.
Use unsulphured molasses for best flavor without bitterness.
Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting.
Chill frosting if it’s too soft before spreading.
The cake can be made 1–2 days in advance and frosted before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg