Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Gingerbread Cake is a moist, warmly spiced treat perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert. With a rich molasses flavor and a sweet, cinnamon-sugar topping soaked in apple cider, it’s a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ginger. Set this dry mix aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, combine the applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended.
4. Step 4: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into an 8×11-inch baking dish or a similar shallow 2-quart pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Step 6: In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for the topping.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle this sugar and cinnamon topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
8. Step 8: Pour the apple cider and water mixture gently over the topping. Do not stir; the liquid will soak through while baking.
9. Step 9: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Let the cake cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, try adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the dry spices.
• Use fresh ginger grated finely if you prefer a more pronounced ginger flavor.
• Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adjusting baking time as needed.

Storage

Store any leftover gingerbread cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or warm in a low oven to enjoy the soft texture and warmed spices. This cake can also be frozen wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes, replace milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and ensure the sugar and molasses used are vegan-friendly. The applesauce and oil already act as egg substitutes.

What if I don’t have applesauce?

You can substitute the applesauce with mashed ripe banana or an equal amount of pumpkin puree for a slightly different flavor but similar moisture.

Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

This moist and flavorful gingerbread cake features classic spices like cinnamon and ginger, complemented by the rich sweetness of molasses and apple cider. Topped with a brown sugar and cinnamon mixture that creates a gooey cider sauce when baked, this cake is perfect for a cozy dessert any time of year.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping and Sauce

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Set this mixture aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
5. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the batter into an 8×11-inch (or similarly sized 2-quart shallow) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together to create the topping mixture.
7. Add Topping: Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon topping evenly over the surface of the cake batter.
8. Add Liquid Sauce: Pour the apple cider and water evenly over the sprinkled topping. Important: Do not stir this liquid into the batter; it will create a delicious sauce as the cake bakes.
9. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
10. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken slightly and flavors meld.

Notes

• Do not stir the apple cider and water into the batter; pouring them over the topping creates a unique syrupy layer once baked.
• Use a shallow baking dish for best results to allow the sauce to form properly.
• Serve the cake warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Molasses is key for authentic gingerbread flavor; use unsulphured molasses for the best taste.
• This cake stores well and can be reheated; the sauce may thicken after refrigeration.

Keywords: gingerbread cake, molasses cake, spiced cake, apple cider cake, holiday dessert