When it comes to cozy dessert recipes, gingerbread cake is a classic that never goes out of style. This Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake combines warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. I still remember the first time I made this delightful cake during the holiday season — the perfect treat for gatherings, chilly nights, and satisfying cravings for something sweet. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity; with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love.

One of the reasons to give this gingerbread cake a try is its versatility. It is not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly and kid-approved, making it perfect for everything from a weeknight dessert to a festive celebration. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or just want to indulge yourself during the holidays, this cake fits the bill perfectly.

"Best gingerbread cake recipe ever! Quick to make and so delicious. My family loved it!"

Now, let’s dive into how to create this delightful cake that will surely warm your heart and home.

Making this Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake involves a straightforward process that’s easy to follow. You’ll start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan before whisking together your dry ingredients. Then, you’ll cream your sugars with butter, add in the egg and molasses, and finally combine everything with some hot water to create that rich batter. The whole process is simple, allowing you to whip up this cake in under an hour.

Gather the following ingredients to make your gingerbread cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water

If you need to make some substitutions, you can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option or swapping the molasses with honey or maple syrup if you’re short on molasses.

Here’s how to prepare your delicious gingerbread cake in a few simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and mix well, then incorporate the molasses until fully blended.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, until just combined.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Once your gingerbread cake is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! This cake is delightful when served warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also pair it with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a comforting treat.

To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

For the best results, remember a few helpful cooking tips: always measure your ingredients accurately to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. If you want to amp up the spice, feel free to adjust the quantities of ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to your liking. Also, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of creative twists you can try with this gingerbread cake. Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture, or think about drizzling a simple glaze on top for added sweetness. You can even experiment with different toppings, like cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Your questions about making this delicious cake might include:

How long does it take to prepare and bake this cake?
- Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the baking time is 25-30 minutes, so you can have this cake ready in under an hour.
Can I substitute ingredients, such as using whole wheat flour or different sugars?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and can swap out sugars with alternative sweeteners, but keep in mind this may affect the texture and flavor.
Is it safe to store and reheat gingerbread cake?
- Absolutely! Storing it properly in an airtight container will maintain its freshness, and reheating is safe as long as you do it gently in the oven or microwave.

With this Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake recipe in your repertoire, you’ll always have a delicious treat on hand, ready to impress family and friends. Enjoy the baking and the delightful flavors that will surely fill your kitchen with warmth!

Gingerbread Cake

A cozy and simple gingerbread cake perfect for gatherings and festive celebrations, made with warm spices that fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 9 slices

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger Adjust to taste
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Adjust to taste
1 teaspoon ground cloves Adjust to taste

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Must be softened to room temperature
1 large egg
1 cup molasses Can substitute with honey or maple syrup
1 cup hot water

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and mix well, then incorporate the molasses until fully blended.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, until just combined.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This cake is delightful when served warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Make sure to cool completely before wrapping for freezing.

Keyword Easy Recipes, Gingerbread Cake, Holiday Baking, Quick Dessert, Spice Cake