Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting: A Perfect Winter Indulgence

Introduction

There’s something about the aroma of freshly baked Gingerbread Cake that captures the spirit of winter. Rich with the warmth of ginger and spices, this cake is the embodiment of seasonal comfort. Paired with a luscious cinnamon molasses frosting, it’s a dessert that not only delights the palate but also elevates any festive gathering.

Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family occasion, this Gingerbread Cake stands out as a star, drawing everyone in with its inviting flavors and moist, tender crumb.

Serving Suggestions

To make this indulgence even more special, consider serving the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. These accompaniments add a creamy contrast that enhances the cake’s spicy notes. For an extra touch of elegance, you might want to sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or drizzle some caramel over the top, giving both the presentation and flavor an added layer of sophistication.

Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 9 ounces milk
• ½ cup cold, cubed butter
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup corn syrup
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Frosting:

• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 3 teaspoons molasses
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 5×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Warm Milk Mixture: In a small pan, gently warm the milk and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is lukewarm. In a separate pan, warm the molasses and corn syrup.
4. Incorporate Butter: Blend the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually stir the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture, followed by the molasses mixture. Whisk in the egg until the batter is smooth.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Store: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap the cake in foil and store it for at least a day to allow the flavors to meld and the top to become delightfully sticky.

Frosting Preparation

1. Cream the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Finish with Molasses: Mix in the molasses, then refrigerate the frosting for a bit to allow it to firm up before spreading it over the cooled cake.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cake, topped with a rich Cinnamon Molasses Frosting, is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of winter’s most comforting flavors. Each slice promises warmth, joy, and the perfect sweet ending to any festive meal.