Name: Easy Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup sugar; ½ cup butter; 1 egg; ⅔ cup applesauce; 1 cup molasses (unsulphured, e.g. Brer Rabbit); 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cloves; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup hot water; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup butter, softened; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons molasses; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

If you’ve been craving a dessert that perfectly balances warm spices with a rich yet light sweetness, you’re absolutely going to love this Easy Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe. This cake combines the nostalgic flavors of gingerbread with a luscious cinnamon molasses frosting that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a heartwarming treat that feels both classic and cozy but comes together with surprisingly simple steps and ingredients. Whether it’s holiday time or just a chilly evening begging for comfort food, this cake will become your new favorite go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows 15 small bowls and dishes placed on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. Near the top left, a small white bowl holds a dark, shiny sauce, next to a bowl with light brown powder. To the top right, there is a white bowl with white powdered sugar and a silver measuring spoon filled with salt. Below these are two small white bowls holding golden blocks of butter, a clear bowl with white sugar, and a clear bowl with a single raw egg yolk in a light yellow liquid. To the right, a small white bowl contains vanilla extract, and beside it, two white cubes of cream cheese are in a glass bowl. In the bottom left corner, a glass measuring cup contains water. Center right has a dark bowl filled with a brown chunky paste. There are three cinnamon sticks on the far right bottom edge and a silver measuring spoon with a small amount of brown spice near them. The setting includes a white marbled cloth with red stripes on the top left part of the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for ingredients that are both simple and essential, each playing its own role to create the tender texture, bold flavors, and perfect sweetness in this gingerbread cake. From the warm spices to the molasses and the creamy frosting, every element works together in harmony.

Sugar: Adds the necessary sweetness and helps with the cake’s tender crumb.
Butter: Provides richness and moisture while lending a velvety texture to both cake and frosting.
Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your cake holds together beautifully.
Applesauce: Keeps the cake moist while cutting back on fat for a lighter feel.
Molasses (Brer Rabbit unsulphured): The star ingredient lending robust, earthy sweetness and that iconic gingerbread depth.
All-purpose flour: The base structure for the cake’s soft and tender crumb.
Baking soda: Reacts with molasses and applesauce to give the cake proper rise and lightness.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic spice throughout the cake and frosting.
Ground ginger: Adds that distinctive zing essential to gingerbread.
Ground cloves: Provides a subtle spicy complexity that rounds out the flavor.
Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances all the flavors perfectly.
Hot water: Helps to bloom the spices and activates the baking soda, ensuring an even rise.
Cream cheese (softened): Forms the luscious base for the frosting with tangy creaminess.
Vanilla: Adds depth and subtle sweetness to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.

TIP

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

How to Make Easy Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s perfectly hot when the cake batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan so the cake will release easily after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender, airy crumb because creaming allows air to be incorporated right from the start.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg next, followed by the applesauce and molasses. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures that every bite bursts with moist, rich flavor and wonderful spice.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Sifting helps incorporate air and evenly disperses the spices, giving the cake even flavor and a light texture.

Step 5: Blend Everything Together

Add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly. Then stir in the hot water carefully to activate the baking soda and gently loosen the batter for smooth pouring.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of gingerbread will fill your kitchen—such a comforting sign!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool entirely in the pan. This step is key before frosting, so the cream cheese mixture doesn’t melt and ruin the presentation.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon, mixing until fully combined.

Step 9: Sweeten and Flavor the Frosting

Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is luscious and blend in the molasses evenly for that signature taste and beautiful color.

Step 10: Frost and Finish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then lightly dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a final touch. Now you have a cake that looks as amazing as it tastes!

How to Serve Easy Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

A collage of three images shows the process of making a chocolate cake. The top-left image is a clear glass bowl with dark brown batter inside, thick and smooth in texture, with two metal beaters partially submerged. The top-right image shows the same bowl with the batter halfway mixed, some white flour on one side and partly mixed chocolate batter on the other, with the beaters resting in the center. The bottom image shows a square glass baking dish with a fully baked chocolate cake, its top dark brown and slightly cracked, with a firm texture. All are placed on a white marbled surface with brown eggs and a striped kitchen towel nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger or a few whole cinnamon sticks placed on the side can elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of aroma when serving your gingerbread cake. Fresh cranberries or orange zest curls also provide a vibrant, festive pop.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the rich spices. For a warm combo, serve alongside a mug of spiced chai or a cup of hot apple cider for autumnal comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into neat squares and arrange on a wooden board for a rustic look, or for parties, turn slices into mini gingerbread trifles with layers of frosting and spiced whipped cream. Drizzling extra molasses over the top can add a decadent, shiny glaze that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days—long enough to savor every crumb!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your Easy Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe warm, just pop individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat so the frosting stays creamy, not melted.

FAQs

Can I use dark molasses instead of unsulphured molasses?

Absolutely! Dark molasses will give your cake a deeper, slightly more robust flavor, which many gingerbread lovers appreciate. Just be sure you like a stronger taste before swapping, as it’s more intense.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might differ slightly but will still be delicious.

Can I make this cake vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. The applesauce helps keep the cake moist, making the swap easier.

How can I tell when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake after about 40 minutes of baking. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon molasses frosting a day in advance. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before spreading. This saves prep time when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels both indulgent and comforting, with spices and sweetness that hit all the right notes every time. Whether you’re baking to celebrate a special occasion or simply to warm up your day, this recipe promises to be a delightful crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire!