Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

Now that sounds like the perfect cozy dessert! 🍰 A Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting combines warm spices, rich molasses, and a creamy frosting that balances sweetness with a hint of spice — perfect for fall, holidays, or any day you’re craving something comforting.

🎄 Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Frosting

🍴 Serves: 9–12

⏱ Total Time: 1 hour

(Prep: 20 min | Bake: 35–40 min)

🧂 Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup molasses (unsulfured)

• 1 cup hot water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Molasses Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency)

• 2 tbsp molasses

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan (or line with parchment).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

4. Beat in the eggs, then stir in molasses and vanilla until smooth.

5. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the hot water, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.

6. Pour into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

2. Add molasses, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

3. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach desired sweetness and texture.

4. Spread frosting over cooled cake.

✨ Optional Toppings:

• A light dusting of cinnamon

• Chopped candied ginger

• Toasted pecans or walnuts

• Drizzle of caramel sauce

📝 Tips:

• Want a stronger spice kick? Add a pinch of black pepper to the batter!

• This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

• For a layer cake, double the recipe and bake in two 8-inch rounds.