Name: Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¾ cups (330 g) all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves or nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon all spice or nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (240 ml) neutral baking oil or melted butter; 1½ cups (300 g) light or dark brown sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; ¾ cup (180 ml) unsulphured molasses; 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature; 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons (45 ml) maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 – 2 tablespoons (15 – 30 ml) milk, as needed

If you are craving a cozy and richly spiced dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re in for a treat with this Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe. Picture a moist, tender cake infused with the perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, all wrapped up in a sweet, glossy maple glaze that adds just the right amount of indulgence. This cake is a spectacular centerpiece for any gathering and a true crowd-pleaser that effortlessly blends comforting tradition with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six containers of ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top, there is a white bowl filled mostly with white flour, and four spices in small piles on one side: beige, dark brown, reddish-brown, and light brown. Below it is a white bowl filled with packed brown sugar. To the right of the brown sugar is a clear glass pitcher with a light yellow liquid, likely oil. Below the pitcher are three brown eggs sitting in a small white bowl. To the left of the eggs is a small white container with a dark brown liquid, and below that is a white bowl with a white powdery ingredient. The colors range from white to shades of brown and yellow, all presented simply with no utensils visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a luscious texture, vibrant color, and that classic gingerbread flavor that we all love. From the warm spices that awaken your senses to the molasses that gives the cake its signature deep hue, each element is essential to the magic.

All purpose flour: The foundation for structure, ensuring the cake is tender but sturdy enough to hold its shape.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
Ground ginger: Adds zesty warmth and is the star spice in traditional gingerbread.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a sweet and woody aroma that complements the ginger perfectly.
Ground cloves (or nutmeg): Adds depth and a slight spiciness that enriches the flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Baking oil or melted butter: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a subtle richness.
Light or dark brown sugar: Provides a deep caramel sweetness and moisture.
Eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and create a soft texture.
Unsulphured molasses: The heart of gingerbread, giving the cake its distinctive, robust flavor and color.
Vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, mellow undertone to the batter and glaze.
Buttermilk, room temperature: Makes the cake tender and adds a slight tang to cut through the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the luscious maple glaze.
Maple syrup: Gives the glaze natural sweetness with a rich, earthy note.
Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze consistency to perfection.

TIP

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

How to Make Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan with a capacity of 12 cups to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. A well-prepped pan is the secret to that perfect ring shape we all love.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves or nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly and avoid any clumps, which will give your cake its signature even flavor and texture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

In another large bowl, whisk together the neutral baking oil or melted butter with light brown sugar until creamy and combined. Add in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and fluffy. Stir in molasses and vanilla extract to bring out that deep, rich gingerbread flavor that makes this cake so irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternating with Buttermilk

Begin folding the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with dry, then add buttermilk, and repeat until fully incorporated. This alternating technique helps keep the batter aerated and ensures the cake will be wonderfully moist without being dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. You’ll notice the edges pulling slightly away from the pan — a perfect sign that your cake is ready.

Step 6: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to settle before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack or serving plate. Let it cool completely to room temperature so the glaze will set beautifully without melting away.

Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Maple Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Once your gingerbread bundt cake is fully cooled, generously drizzle the glaze on top, spreading it evenly or letting it cascade down the sides for a rustic allure. Allow the glaze to set for about 45 minutes before slicing into that stunning cake.

How to Serve Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

The image shows two chocolate bundt cakes side by side. On the left, the cake is still in a white bundt pan with a textured edge and the cake surface is rich dark brown with small cracks. On the right, the cake is taken out of the pan and placed on a white square grid drying rack. It has an even darker brown color with a smooth surface shaped with curved ridges all around the ring. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cake’s presentation with simple yet elegant garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few crystallized ginger pieces, or even a handful of toasted pecans. These little touches add texture and complement the maple glaze perfectly while making your cake look extra festive.

Side Dishes

Pair your gingerbread bundt cake with warm beverages such as chai tea, hot apple cider, or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness and spice. For a more indulgent twist, serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this classic into a showstopper by serving slices stacked with a dollop of maple cream or layered with spiced cream cheese frosting between each piece. You can also bundle individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine as charming gifts or party favors that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, placing it in the fridge will help preserve the glaze’s texture and keep the cake moist.

Freezing

This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before reapplying any glaze if needed.

Reheating

To warm up slices, pop them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or briefly in a low oven at 300°F (150°C). This brings back that fresh-baked warmth, perfect for cozy dessert moments.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of oil in the Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Using melted butter will add a richer flavor and slightly denser texture, but the cake will still be delicious. Just be sure to let the butter cool slightly before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.

Is it necessary to use molasses in this recipe?

Molasses is key to achieving the authentic deep flavor and dark color of gingerbread. You can’t quite replicate this with substitutes, but if unavailable, using dark corn syrup or a mix of brown sugar and honey can work in a pinch.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need to swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly but the taste will still be delightful.

How thick should I make the maple glaze?

The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk by the teaspoon; if too thin, whisk in more powdered sugar until you get the right consistency to coat the cake nicely without soaking in completely.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries are fantastic additions. Fold them gently into the batter before baking to add delightful texture and flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

There is something irresistibly joyful about baking this Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe, and even more so about sharing it with loved ones. Its warm spices, tender crumb, and luscious glaze come together to create a dessert that’s both comforting and special. Trust me, once you try this lovely cake, it will earn a special spot in your recipe rotation for holidays and beyond. So go ahead, bake it up and let the sweet aroma fill your home!