Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Cozy Hot Wow 3.

As a chef who loves cozy, crowd-pleasing desserts, I pursue smart, make-ahead wins. Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. I love how this cake balances warm molasses, ginger, and cinnamon. The frosting is creamy and tangy, cutting sweetness without fuss. It’s friendly for busy weeks, yet impressive enough for gatherings. The batter is forgiving, and my kitchen fills with spice. The frosting glides on smoothly, every time. It’s the kind of dessert that makes weeknights feel like a celebration. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a quiet night in.

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Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: What makes this recipe special

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. I love how this dessert blends molasses, ginger, and cinnamon into a cozy slice that’s never overbearing. It’s forgiving enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve for holiday gatherings. The creamy frosting cuts the spice just enough, giving each bite a tangy gloss that keeps sweetness in check. Best of all, it bakes in a standard 9×13 pan, travels well to potlucks, and stays moist for days. It’s simple, soulful, and absolutely crowd-pleasing for readers who crave comfort and ease.

Step-by-step overview without the keyword

This gingerbread cake is a modern cozy classic: simple pantry ingredients, a tender crumb, and a glossy cream cheese frosting that feels like a hug. It bakes up beautifully in a standard 9×13 pan, slices neatly, and stays moist for days when covered. The spice blend—ginger, cinnamon, cloves—creates warmth without overpowering sweetness, making it a reliable holiday favorite and an everyday treat for busy moms and professionals who deserve a comforting dessert after a long day.

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Ingredients

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes together with staple pantry ingredients, plus a few sweet notes. I’ll walk you through each item so you can shop once and bake happily all season.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour — provides structure for the soft, tender crumb.
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda — helps the cake rise and stay moist.
• 1 tsp ground ginger — warms the spice without overpowering the cake.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon — adds comforting warmth.
• ½ tsp ground cloves — a hint of aromatic depth.
• ½ tsp salt — balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — adds richness and moisture.
• ½ cup brown sugar — contributes moisture and a molasses note.
• 1 cup molasses — the star flavor that keeps the cake moist.
• 1 large egg — binds the batter for structure.
• 1 cup hot water — helps dissolve spices and keeps the crumb tender.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened — the frosting’s tangy silk.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — smooths and enriches the frosting.
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar — sweet, thick frosting base.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — adds subtle depth to the frosting.

Optional substitutions and notes

• If you don’t have brown sugar, use equal granulated sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses for moisture.
• For a creamier frosting, whisk the frosting a bit longer or add an extra tablespoon of cream if needed.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup and add a splash more vanilla.

(Note: exact quantities are listed above; print-ready measurements are summarized at the bottom of the article.)

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep and dry ingredients

I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.

In a medium bowl, I whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

This gingerbread cake stays moist and travels well for potlucks.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar, then add molasses and egg

I beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

Then I beat in molasses and the egg until smooth.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry with hot water

I add the dry to the wet in portions, starting and ending with dry.

I pour in hot water in small additions and mix just until combined.

Step 4: Bake, cool, and frost

I pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.

I cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting, I beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.

Then I beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

<pSpread evenly over cooled cake and slice to serve.

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure a smooth, clump-free frosting that spreads easily and clings to every single slice.
• I don’t overmix after adding flour; mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and light.
• I let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent cracking, sweating, or a melted, glossy finish that slides.
• For an extra warm aroma, dust a light pinch of cinnamon on top after frosting, and consider a tiny soft drizzle of caramel.

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans for a layered look)
• Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
• Spatula and cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray for easy pan release

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Variations

• Add ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or orange zest for brighter spice notes.
• Swap half of the white sugar with maple syrup for a caramelized finish.
• For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream cheese and dairy-free butter in the frosting.
• For an extra-moist cake, substitute part of the hot water with brewed coffee.

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Why You’ll Love This

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is my warm hug in cake form.
I love that it’s easy for busy weeks and special for guests.
The tangy frosting cuts the spice, making each slice comforting, not heavy.

It bakes in a 9×13 pan and stays moist for days.
I love how it feels like a celebration after a long day.
The frosting adds tang and polish without slowing you down.

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Serving Suggestions

I love keeping presentation simple so the flavors shine for guests at home.

• Serve with coffee, chai, or mulled cider to anchor the moment.
• Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or drizzle of caramel for gloss.
• Present on a simple platter with a cinnamon stick for a seasonal touch.

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting actually tastes better when it rests overnight. Bake it a day ahead and wrap tightly in the fridge. Frost just before serving to preserve texture and gloss. If you’re crunched for time, bake the cake, cool, and freeze slices individually.

Leftovers keep 4–5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cake up to a month. Thaw and frost for best texture.

Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: FAQs

Q1: Can I bake this as a layer cake? A: Yes. I bake it in two 8-inch pans for about 25–30 minutes, then stack with frosting in between and frost the top and sides for a festive presentation.

Q2: Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar? A: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth; in my kitchen I keep it as the default, but you can substitute with white sugar—just expect a drier crumb and a slightly lighter flavor.

Q3: Is this cake dairy-free? A: The traditional frosting uses dairy, but you can make dairy-free frosting with a plant-based cream cheese and butter substitute, keeping the same texture and tang.

Q4: Can I freeze the cake? A: Yes. I freeze baked, unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to 1 month; thaw and frost before serving for best texture.

The Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting feels like a warm hug in a slice. The spices mingle softly, the crumb stays moist, and the tangy frosting glides on with silk. It’s forgiving for busy weeks and easy to scale, truly too. It’s flexible enough to tweak with pantry staples. Whether I’m baking for family night, a neighbor, this dessert delivers comfort and flavor, always. It helps me feel like a hostess even on tired days. The aroma of Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting fills my kitchen and comforts souls. I’m grateful for dessert moments that gather us together.

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