Imagine a slice of cake that embodies the essence of the holiday season with every bite. This traditional spiced gingerbread cake combines simple, time-honored ingredients to create a dessert that’s both comforting and richly flavored. Soft and tender with just the right balance of spices, it evokes memories of festive gatherings and cozy winter evenings. Whether served with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or enjoyed on its own, this gingerbread cake is a perfect addition to your holiday dessert lineup, promising to become a cherished favorite year after year.
This recipe for traditional spiced gingerbread cake is a nod to classic holiday baking, bringing together the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with the deep sweetness of molasses. Unlike overly sweet desserts, this gingerbread is perfectly balanced, offering a heavenly texture that’s soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges. The richness of the cake is complemented by the subtle flavors of vanilla and nutmeg, making it an elegant and delicious choice for any festive occasion. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, it’s a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients For traditional spiced gingerbread cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 300 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (about 2 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (about 2.5 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (about 1.2 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (about 4 grams)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (about 115 grams)
- 2/3 cup sugar (about 135 grams)
- 1 cup molasses (about 240 milliliters)
- 2 whole eggs (about 100 grams total)
- 1 cup hot water (about 240 milliliters)
How To Make traditional spiced gingerbread cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (about 180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and baking soda. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, sugar, and molasses together on medium speed until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Add the whole eggs to the butter mixture and beat thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water. Begin and end with the flour mixture, stirring gently after each addition.
- Continue to mix on low speed until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Once cooled, slice the gingerbread cake and serve it with sweetened whipped cream if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
As you savor each slice of this traditional spiced gingerbread cake, appreciate the harmonious blend of spices and the moist, tender texture that defines a truly classic holiday dessert. Its rich flavors and comforting warmth make it an ideal centerpiece for your festive table, inviting everyone to indulge in its delightful taste. Whether enjoyed during Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion, this gingerbread cake brings a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your celebrations. Embrace the simplicity and richness of this recipe, and let it become a beloved tradition in your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
