When the air turns crisp and holiday decorations appear, I can’t help but crave a slice of homemade gingerbread cake. There’s something magical about the way warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves mingle with rich molasses to create that iconic flavor. It’s comfort in cake form – moist, aromatic, and utterly satisfying. Ready to discover how easy it is to bring this classic treat to your table? The recipe might be simpler than you think, but the memories it creates will last long after the last crumb disappears.
Why You’ll Love this Gingerbread Cake
This gingerbread cake is the ultimate comfort food for any time of year, but especially when there’s a chill in the air.
I’m talking about warm spices that fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma—cinnamon, ginger, and cloves working their magic together.
What makes it special? The molasses gives it that deep, rich flavor that’s perfectly balanced with just enough sweetness.
It’s wonderfully moist, thanks to the melted butter, and has that perfect cake texture—not too dense, not too light.
Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy all season long.
What Ingredients are in Gingerbread Cake?
To make this cozy, aromatic gingerbread cake, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and warming spices that create that classic flavor we all love.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
The quality of your spices can make a big difference in this recipe—if your ground ginger or cinnamon has been sitting in the cabinet for years, might be time for a fresh jar to really bring that signature gingerbread flavor to life.
How to Make this Gingerbread Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This gives the oven plenty of time to come to temperature while you mix your batter, ensuring even baking throughout.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
The spice blend here creates that signature gingerbread aroma that will soon fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Combine Molasses and Hot Water
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup molasses with 1 cup hot water, stirring until well combined.
The hot water helps the molasses thin out and blend more easily with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients
To your molasses mixture, add 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 2 large eggs.
Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture looks uniform.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour your wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
For professional results, use a stand mixer to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients without overmixing the batter.
Gently stir until you have a smooth batter with no dry patches, but be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the corners.
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving.
This cooling time lets the flavors meld together and gives the cake its perfect texture.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Homemade Gingerbread
Serve this warm, spicy cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
The rich molasses flavor and aromatic spices make this the perfect treat for cool weather gatherings.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Cake
This deeply spiced cake begs for some perfect companions to make it truly shine. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is the classic choice, melting slightly into the warm cake if you can’t wait for it to cool completely (who could blame you?).
For something more indulgent, try vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce that seeps into every bite.
A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea makes for a cozy afternoon pairing, while mulled apple cider brings out the cake’s warming spices.
For a revitalizing contrast, serve with thinly sliced pears or apples on the side—their crisp freshness perfectly balances the rich, molasses-forward flavor of this timeless treat.
Gingerbread Cake Substitutions and Variations
- Flour options: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor, or use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.
- Make it dairy-free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The coconut adds a subtle tropical note that works beautifully with the spices.
- Sweetener swaps: Try dark brown sugar instead of granulated for deeper caramel notes, or reduce sugar to ½ cup if you prefer less sweetness.
- Vegan version: Replace eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or two flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 Tbsp water).
- Spice it up: Add ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg, cardamom, or black pepper for complexity, or fold in ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger for texture and zing.
- Festive add-ins: Mix in dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans for holiday flair.
Leftovers and Storage for this Gingerbread Cake
This gingerbread cake actually improves with time! The flavors deepen and meld beautifully after a day, making it perfect for make-ahead occasions.
- Counter storage: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. A piece of bread tucked inside helps maintain moisture.
- Refrigeration: Extends freshness to 5-7 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Freezing option: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (cooled completely) in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Refreshing: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. For frozen slices, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serving tip: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can revive day-old cake beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This classic gingerbread cake strikes that perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.
With its warm spices and rich molasses flavor, it transforms ordinary moments into something special—no fancy equipment or techniques required. The deep, complex flavors make it ideal for holiday gatherings, but honestly, why limit ourselves?
It’s equally welcome on a rainy afternoon with tea or as the finale to a Sunday dinner.
And there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about that first bite, warm and fragrant, that connects us to generations of bakers who found comfort in this timeless recipe.
Sometimes the most straightforward desserts are the ones we return to again and again.