Gingerbread Cake That Warms Every Holiday Table

Looking to elevate your holiday dessert game with a cozy, classic recipe? This Gingerbread Cake delivers everything you’d want in a festive treat—rich molasses flavor, warm spices, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfectly balanced with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, this cake comes alive when served warm with a homemade vanilla cream sauce and sliced bananas. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or baking just because, this cake captures the spirit of the season in every bite. Looking for inspiration? Try our Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze for a citrus twist.

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Why This Gingerbread Cake Will Be Your New Holiday Tradition

The holiday scent of gingerbread nostalgia

From the moment this cake hits the oven, your home fills with the cozy scent of cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. It’s more than a dessert—it’s a memory trigger. For many families, the smell alone signals that the holidays have arrived. This recipe embraces that nostalgia and turns it into something absolutely delicious.

A moist cake with deep molasses richness

The secret behind the unforgettable texture of this gingerbread cake lies in the generous use of unsulphured molasses. It lends a deep, complex flavor that marries beautifully with the spices. Combined with butter, eggs, and hot water, the resulting cake is light yet rich—a rare and delightful contrast.

Tried-and-true recipe passed down for generations

Adapted from a beloved Lion House original, this gingerbread cake was shared by a friend and has stood the test of time in family kitchens. Its simplicity and consistency make it a reliable go-to every winter. It’s not just good—it’s grandma-approved.

Ingredients That Make the Best Gingerbread Cake

Key pantry staples you likely already have

One of the reasons this gingerbread cake is so accessible is its use of everyday ingredients. Here’s a look at the core elements:

Ingredient	Quantity
Granulated Sugar	½ cup
Butter	½ cup
Egg (beaten)	1 large
Unsulphured Molasses	1 cup
All-Purpose Flour	2½ cups
Baking Soda	1½ tsp
Ground Cinnamon	1 tsp
Ground Ginger	1 tsp
Ground Cloves	½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Very Hot Water	1 cup

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a cake that’s both simple and show-stopping.

The role of unsulphured molasses in depth of flavor

Molasses isn’t just a sweetener here—it’s the flavor backbone. Unsulphured molasses is milder and cleaner than sulphured types, which makes it ideal for baking. Its deep, caramelized profile rounds out the sharpness of ginger and adds a chewy richness to the crumb.

Optional toppings that take it over the top

While the cake stands strong on its own, adding toppings like warm vanilla cream sauce, fresh bananas, and whipped cream turns it into a bakery-level showpiece. Want another idea? Discover great ideas like Super Ginger Molasses Cookies to complement your dessert spread.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Foolproof Gingerbread Cake

Preparing the wet and dry ingredients separately

To avoid overmixing and to ensure a fluffy texture, always start by creaming the butter and sugar. Then beat in the egg and molasses. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.

Mixing techniques that ensure perfect texture

Once both bowls are ready, gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Slowly pour in the hot water as you stir. Don’t panic if the batter seems thin—this is what helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture once baked.

Baking time, temperature, and tips

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Use a greased 9×13” baking pan
• Bake for 20 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

For even baking, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature and avoid opening the oven door too often. If you’re preparing ahead of time, don’t miss our Christmas Cookie Bars for another seasonal make-ahead favorite.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Combinations

Bananas and vanilla cream sauce topping

What truly elevates this gingerbread cake from traditional to unforgettable is the homemade vanilla cream sauce served warm over the top. Add slices of fresh banana and a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a holiday dessert that feels straight out of a gourmet kitchen. The warmth of the sauce melts into the cake’s soft crumb, while the banana adds a sweet freshness that balances the spice.

To make the vanilla cream sauce:

• Melt sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan.
• Boil for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add vanilla off the heat.
• Let cool slightly, then pour generously over your cake.

Pairings with spiced cider or coffee

This cake shines brightest alongside a cup of hot spiced apple cider, chai latte, or bold black coffee. The warmth of the beverage highlights the molasses and spice in each bite. Hosting a brunch? Try serving it with cinnamon French toast or sweet potato pancakes. Check out our Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes for a cozy pairing idea.

How to present for parties or gifting

Slice the cake into squares, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and place in parchment-lined treat boxes for gifting. Or serve warm in ramekins for individual desserts at a dinner party. Want to go festive? Top each slice with a mini candy cane or star anise for a visual pop.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Keeping it fresh for days

This cake holds up beautifully for several days, making it an ideal option for holiday prep. Store the cooled cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. The flavors deepen over time, making each slice even more delicious on day two.

How to freeze and thaw without losing texture

To freeze:

• Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap
• Then wrap again in foil
• Store in an airtight freezer bag or container

Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight at room temperature. Want that just-baked warmth? Pop a slice in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Reheating for that just-baked taste

The best way to reheat is low and slow. Place slices in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warm. If using the microwave, add a small cup of water inside to maintain moisture while heating.

For more make-ahead goodness, don’t miss our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins —another freezable fall favorite.

FAQs About Gingerbread Cake

Conclusion: Bake a Slice of Joy This Holiday

Whether you’re new to holiday baking or a seasoned pro, this gingerbread cake is a timeless dessert that brings warmth to any table. With simple ingredients and an unbeatable aroma, it’s a recipe you’ll return to every year. From its soft crumb to its spice-laced flavor, this cake is everything holiday baking should be—comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

Looking for more holiday desserts? Don’t miss our Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze for a zesty twist on this classic.

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