Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Few desserts capture the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season quite like gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting. Richly spiced, deeply aromatic, and incredibly moist, this classic gingerbread cake is elevated with a creamy frosting infused with cinnamon and molasses for a bold yet balanced finish.

This cake is the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or anytime you crave a dessert that feels comforting and festive. Unlike dry gingerbread loaves or overly sweet cakes, this version strikes the perfect balance between spice, sweetness, and softness.

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Why Gingerbread Cake Is a Holiday Classic

Gingerbread has been enjoyed for centuries, tracing its roots back to medieval Europe when molasses and warming spices were prized ingredients. Over time, gingerbread evolved from crisp cookies into soft cakes that became synonymous with Christmas and winter celebrations.

This gingerbread cake embraces that tradition while offering a modern, bakery-style texture and an indulgent frosting that transforms it into a true showstopper.

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What Makes This Gingerbread Cake Special

This recipe uses a generous blend of spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, layered with rich molasses for depth. The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to butter, milk, and eggs, while baking up tender and fluffy rather than dense.

The cinnamon molasses frosting adds a creamy contrast with just enough sweetness and spice to complement the cake without overpowering it.

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Ingredients

Gingerbread Cake

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Molasses
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in molasses, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
9. Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, molasses, cinnamon, vanilla, and cream.
10. Frost cake generously and serve.

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Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter and even baking.
• Do not overmix once flour is added to keep the cake tender.
• Let the cake cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
• For deeper flavor, let the cake rest overnight before serving.

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Frosting Flavor Balance

The cinnamon molasses frosting is rich but not overpowering. Molasses adds depth while cinnamon brings warmth. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar or creaminess with extra cream.

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Variations to Try

• Layer Cake: Double the recipe and stack with frosting between layers.
• Bundt Cake: Bake in a greased bundt pan and drizzle frosting instead of spreading.
• Nutty Gingerbread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Orange Twist: Add orange zest to the frosting for brightness.

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Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee, chai tea, or mulled wine. Serve it slightly warm for a cozy dessert or chilled for a firmer texture.

It also makes a wonderful holiday gift when sliced and boxed with parchment paper.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 2 months and frosted after thawing.

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Why This Recipe Works

This gingerbread cake relies on classic ratios and time-tested spice blends. Molasses provides moisture and depth, while cinnamon enhances sweetness naturally. The frosting ties everything together, making each bite rich, warm, and memorable.

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Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a dessert that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays, gingerbread cake with cinnamon molasses frosting is the answer. Moist, spiced, and beautifully frosted, this cake delivers comfort, tradition, and indulgence in every slice.