Description
This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations. The rich molasses flavor is enhanced by aromatic cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, while the creamy cinnamon molasses frosting adds a smooth, sweet finish that complements the cake beautifully.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 1 egg
- ⅔ cup applesauce
- 1 cup molasses (Brer Rabbit unsulphured)
- 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
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons molasses
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the applesauce and molasses, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Gradually blend these dry ingredients into the wet creamed mixture.
- Add Hot Water: Stir in the hot water to the batter and mix thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-combined batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to set before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Flavorings to Frosting: Mix in vanilla extract and cinnamon until well incorporated.
- Sweeten Frosting: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Add Molasses to Frosting: Blend molasses into the frosting mixture to add depth and richness.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Lightly dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an attractive finish.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- If molasses is too thick, warm it slightly before mixing for easier blending.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Optional: garnish with chopped nuts or crystallized ginger for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
