A Gingerbread Cake Recipe to Warm Your Soul
This isn't just any gingerbread cake recipe; it's a journey to a cozy autumn afternoon, filled with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and the delightful taste of a perfectly moist and tender cake. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly flavorful gingerbread cake.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a 9x13 inch cake, perfect for sharing (or not!).
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional, but highly recommended!):
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Gingerbread Cake:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients ensures even distribution of spices throughout the cake.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses.
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Combining Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Boiling Water Magic: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The boiling water helps create a wonderfully moist and tender crumb.
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Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling Down: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting (if using):
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Cream Cheese and Butter: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
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Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
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Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Frosting Time: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the delicious cream cheese frosting.
Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Cake:
- Fresh Spices: Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Cooling Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Serving Suggestions:
This gingerbread cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of extra frosting. It's also perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks!
This gingerbread cake recipe is more than just instructions; it's a gateway to creating delicious memories. Enjoy baking, and most importantly, enjoy the taste of your freshly baked creation!