Name: Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Christmas
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup molasses; 1 cup hot water; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons molasses; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re searching for a festive treat that feels like a warm holiday hug, let me introduce you to Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting. This cake is delightfully moist, brimming with a medley of cozy spices, and crowned with a decadently creamy frosting that hints at both molasses and cinnamon. It’s the kind of dessert that begs for a gathering, captures the heart of winter celebrations, and practically guarantees you’ll be asked for the recipe.

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is how every ingredient features for a reason, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy, just quality basics and a dash of holiday magic.

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy-yet-tender base needed for a classic cake crumb.
Baking soda: Lends an essential lift, keeping the cake light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that iconic warm spice taste.
Ground ginger: Adds gentle heat and unmistakable gingerbread character.
Ground nutmeg: Infuses sweet, nutty undertones for extra depth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the spice.
Unsalted butter (cake base): Ensures a rich, moist crumb—not to mention that classic buttery flavor.
Brown sugar: Sweetens while adding lovely caramelly notes.
Egg: Binds everything together for structure.
Molasses (cake base): The star! Deep, robust, unmistakable gingerbread flavor.
Hot water: Helps the molasses blend smoothly and keeps the crumb soft.
Cream cheese (frosting): The hero of the frosting—providing tangy creaminess.
Unsalted butter (frosting): Makes the frosting ultra-lush and spreadable.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lends the frosting its delicate, cloudlike texture.
Molasses (frosting): Echoes the cake’s flavor, marrying the cake and frosting beautifully.
Ground cinnamon (frosting): Elevates the frosting with spice-forward warmth.
Vanilla extract: Adds a final note of cozy sweetness to each bite.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a baking pan (I love lining mine with parchment for easy removal). This simple step starts things off right, promising an evenly baked cake that slips right out when cooled.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed, giving your Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting a consistently delicious bite from edge to center.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is what creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth batter. Afterward, beat in the egg to fully incorporate before pouring in the dark, sticky molasses and hot water. It will smell incredible right about now!

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add your wet mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or mixer on low, blend until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Slide it into the oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes—until a toothpick comes out clean and the kitchen smells like the holidays.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Once your cake emerges perfectly baked, set it on a wire rack to cool. Resist the temptation to frost it right away! For a smooth finish, the cake must be completely cooled—otherwise, the luscious Cinnamon Molasses Frosting will melt.

Step 6: Make and Apply Frosting

For the decadent crown, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until extra fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, molasses, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and spiced. Generously spread this creamy goodness over your cooled cake, transforming it into a holiday showstopper.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Garnishes

Amp up the festive charm by finishing your Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra warmth, or add a scattering of sugared cranberries for sparkle and tartness. Even a grating of fresh nutmeg or curls of white chocolate are fantastic crowd-pleasers.

Side Dishes

Pair a slice of this cake with spiced apple cider, a mug of chai, or good old-fashioned hot chocolate. These beverages highlight the spices in both cake and frosting, making every bite and sip sing together. For a celebratory brunch, try serving alongside oven-baked pears or a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into rustic squares or elegant rounds, and serve on a platter dusted with powdered sugar for a snow-dusted effect. For parties, try baking in mini cupcake molds for individually frosted treats. Or go bold: stack two thin layers with extra Cinnamon Molasses Frosting and decorate with edible gold leaf for a showstopper centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays moist and flavorful for three to four days—just let slices come to room temperature before serving for optimal moistness and taste.

Freezing

If you need to prep ahead, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped in plastic, for up to two months. Once thawed, whip up that Cinnamon Molasses Frosting and spread it on fresh for the ultimate taste and texture. While the frosted cake can be frozen too, the texture is best if you frost just before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, microwave individual slices of Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting for about 10-15 seconds. For the most cake-like moistness (especially if chilled from the fridge), let the slice stand at room temperature for 30 minutes first.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses for this cake?

Blackstrap molasses is much stronger and more bitter, so for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting, stick to regular unsulphured molasses. It gives that rich, classic flavor without overpowering the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best structure. The result will still be moist and flavorful.

Is there a vegan option for the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting?

For a vegan twist, use dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese. Most powdered sugars are vegan but check your brand to be sure. Your frosting will still be creamy and packed with that signature spicy-sweet flavor.

What kind of pan works best?

An 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan works beautifully for this recipe, resulting in a thick, bakery-style Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting. If you double the recipe, you can use a 9×13 inch pan or make two round layers for a festive layer cake.

Can I make the cake and frosting in advance?

Definitely. You can bake the cake up to two days ahead, keeping it wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated. Prepare the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting in advance as well, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge—just let it soften before spreading.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to surprise your loved ones or add sparkle to a winter get-together, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely irresistible—a new classic you’ll crave every chilly season. Give it a try and watch the smiles spread!