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Gingerbread Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/gingerbread-cake-recipe/