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Old-Fashioned Soft Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

A close-up, sunlit slice of dark, moist gingerbread cake topped with thick, light brown frosting.
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Make this easy gingerbread cake for a moist, tender crumb rich with warm spices and molasses flavor. It is perfect for holiday baking or a cozy winter dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg until just combined.
  5. Add the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined.
  11. Mix in the molasses and cinnamon. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  12. Spread the cinnamon molasses frosting evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • For an extra festive look, top the frosted cake with mini gingerbread cookies or a light dusting of cinnamon.
  • This cake freezes well before frosting. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
  • If you prefer a layer cake, divide the batter between two 8-inch round pans and reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/gingerbread-cake-recipe-moist-easy/