Name: Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour (180g); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (120g); 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (260g); 2 eggs; 1/4 cup molasses; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that wraps you in warm spices and wholesome goodness, this Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a moist, tender snack cake bursting with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, sweetened naturally with molasses and maple syrup. It’s like a hug on a plate, perfect for any time you crave a little comfort with your coffee or as a delightful dessert. This Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe offers a quick, straightforward way to enjoy classic holiday flavors all year round, plus it’s packed with simple, healthful ingredients that make every bite truly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven clear and white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each with different ingredients. At the top left, there is a white bowl filled with flour, showing a powdery, light beige texture. To its right, a clear glass bowl contains a pale, slightly thick liquid. Below the flour, a small clear bowl holds two raw eggs with bright yellow yolks and transparent whites. Next to it on the right, a clear bowl has a creamy white, thick substance. Below the eggs, a small white cup contains three different ground spices: one dark brown, one reddish-brown, and one light tan. To the right of this, a small clear bowl is filled with a dark liquid. Next to it, on the right, a clear bowl shows a golden amber liquid. All bowls are placed on the white marbled surface in a simple, clean layout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that makes this cake so irresistible. From the hearty whole wheat flour to the aromatic blend of spices, and the natural sweetness brought by molasses and maple syrup, everything comes together effortlessly to make magic.

White whole wheat flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the cake a lovely texture with a bit more fiber and nutrition than regular flour.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise for a light and fluffy crumb.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Reacts with the yogurt and molasses to give perfect leavening.
Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, sweet-spicy notes that define gingerbread’s signature flavor.
Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle heat and zestiness that makes every bite sing.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds depth with its aromatic and slightly bitter sweetness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and adds a gentle tang.
Unsweetened applesauce (1 cup): A natural sweetener and moisture booster that’s better for you than oil.
Eggs (2): Bind everything together for structure and richness.
Molasses (1/4 cup): The heart of gingerbread flavor with its deep, robust sweetness.
Maple syrup (3 tablespoons): Adds a delicate sweetness with a hint of caramel.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the spices and adds warmth.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Combine Wet Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get your 8-inch square baking pan ready by greasing it well and lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out without sticking. Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together all your wet ingredients — Greek yogurt, applesauce, eggs, molasses, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mixing these early brings out the flavors and creates that lovely moist base.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a large bowl, sift or whisk together your white whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Combining all your dry components helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the cake and prevents clumps in the batter.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Now, fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently but thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter just combined to keep your cake tender and soft.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This baking time is just right to get that balance of moist crumb and soft crust.

Step 5: Optional Cream Cheese Frosting

Once the cake has cooled, if you like to elevate your snack cake, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the frosting set so slices come out clean and look beautiful on the plate.

How to Serve Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe

The image shows a square white baking pan filled with smooth, light brown batter that has a slightly shiny texture on top. The batter spreads evenly across the pan, with slight unevenness and small bubbles visible on the surface. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple toppings can transform your Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe into a showstopper. A dusting of powdered sugar sprinkled over the top immediately boosts its festive charm. For extra indulgence, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a smear of spiced cream cheese frosting complements the spices beautifully, making each bite decadent yet balanced.

Side Dishes

This snack cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to highlight its warm gingerbread notes. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or a handful of roasted nuts alongside can round out the experience, adding texture and freshness that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the cake into festive shapes using cookie cutters—gingerbread men or stars fit perfectly into the theme. Layer thin slices with cream cheese frosting for mini cake sandwiches that dazzle at holiday gatherings or casual tea times. You can even serve this cake warm with a drizzle of melted caramel or honey for extra sweetness and a gooey mouthfeel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and the spices vibrant. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge wrapped tightly will keep it fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. When cravings strike, just thaw the piece overnight in the fridge or leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe a little warm, microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds or gently warm in a low oven. This brings out the aroma of those warm spices again and makes the cake feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of white whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! If you don’t have white whole wheat flour on hand, all-purpose flour works just fine. Your cake will still be delicious, though white whole wheat adds a slight nuttiness and extra fiber that’s a nice bonus.

Is it necessary to use applesauce in the recipe?

Applesauce acts as a natural fat substitute and keeps the cake moist without added oil or butter. You could replace it with mashed banana or pumpkin puree if you want to experiment, but the flavor and texture might change slightly.

Can I make this Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative, and if you choose to add frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese. The spices and molasses will still shine through beautifully.

How long will the cake last if I don’t refrigerate it?

At room temperature, stored in an airtight container, the cake keeps well for about three days before it starts to dry out. For maximum freshness, refrigeration is recommended if you intend to keep it longer.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Definitely! Just remember to use a larger pan or multiple pans to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly when increasing the batter amount.

Final Thoughts

I hope after reading this you’re inspired to give this Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet is simple enough to whip up any day. Whether as a cozy afternoon treat or a festive dessert, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile and that wonderful sense of warmth only good baking can offer. Trust me, once you taste this, it might just become your favorite go-to snack cake.

Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe