Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Its rich flavors of ginger and spices create a cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great choice for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup hot water

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses and eggs, mixing well.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy your gingerbread cake!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

Serve your gingerbread cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.

How to Store Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

To store your gingerbread cake, wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the cake. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly.

Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

  • Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
  • If you like a spicier cake, feel free to add more ginger or cinnamon.

Variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Some people also enjoy adding a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a richer flavor. Experiment with your favorite mix-ins to make this cake your own!

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

2. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake and store it in an airtight container. It stays tasty for several days.

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Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

A delightful and easy-to-make gingerbread cake that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, perfect for gatherings.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Baking
Servings 12 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Add more for a spicier cake.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 2 large eggs
  • 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 bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses and eggs, mixing well.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.

Baking

  • Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream. Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in an airtight container. Can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for a week, or frozen for longer storage. Experiment with nuts or cream cheese frosting for variations.
Keyword Comfort Food, easy recipes, Gingerbread Cake, Old-Fashioned, Spices

3 thoughts on “Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake”

    • Yes..you can definitely use a gluten-free flour blend for this gingerbread cake..just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend (preferably one that already has xanthan gum in it). If not.. you can add a tiny bit yourself — about 1/2 teaspoon .. to help with the texture. i also like to let the batter rest for around 10–15 minutes before baking so the flour hydrates properly.. The cake might turn out a little more delicate or slightly denser.. but it still tastes amazing with all those warm spices and molasses.. Enjoy!

      Reply

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