Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

There’s something magical about the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven. It instantly fills the house with a cozy, nostalgic feeling, especially during the colder months. Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake is one of those timeless recipes that reminds me of simpler times, sitting by the fire and enjoying a slice with a dollop of whipped cream.

This recipe is incredibly moist, packed with the perfect balance of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent but also homey. My family adores it, especially when paired with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just to savor a quiet evening at home, this cake is bound to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen too.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
A: Yes! Freshly grated ginger adds a slightly different but wonderful flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for this recipe.

Q: What’s the best way to serve gingerbread cake?
A: I love serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Vanilla ice cream is another fantastic pairing.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Gingerbread cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze gingerbread cake?
A: Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Q: What kind of molasses should I use?
A: Unsulfured molasses is ideal for this recipe as it has a rich, sweet flavor without any bitterness. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too strong.

What You Need to Make Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 cup hot water
• Optional Toppings:
  • Whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Caramel or lemon sauce

How to Make Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Eggs and Molasses:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the molasses until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
• Check Your Molasses: Use unsulfured molasses for the best flavor and texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth!
• Serve Warm: Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the cake warm.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is the best gingerbread cake I’ve ever had! It’s moist, flavorful, and brings back so many holiday memories.” – Sarah

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I served this at a family dinner, and everyone loved it! The molasses flavor is perfect.” – Jim

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I added a drizzle of caramel sauce on top, and it took this cake to another level. Absolutely delicious!” – Emily

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this with fresh ginger, and it was amazing. It’s going into my holiday rotation for sure.” – Amanda

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This cake is so easy to make and tastes incredible. I love that it gets even better the next day.” – Lisa

Printable Recipe

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

Yield: 9

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake is a warm, spiced dessert perfect for the holiday season. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s a family favorite!

Print

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 cup hot water
• Optional Toppings:
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Caramel or lemon sauce

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate the Eggs and Molasses:

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the molasses until fully combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.

Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake is a recipe that warms the soul and brings loved ones together. If you tried this recipe and loved it as much as we do, please share it with your friends and family on social media.

Don’t forget to tag me in your creations—I’d love to see how you serve this nostalgic dessert. Sharing recipes is all about spreading joy and keeping traditions alive, so let’s make some delicious memories together!