Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe: 8 Steps To A Festive Showstopper
Warm spices and zesty lemon cream cheese frosting combine for a memorable holiday treat.
Gingerbread Layer Cake: The Heart of Holiday Baking
When winter sets in and festive celebrations fill the air, few desserts conjure the warmth and nostalgia of a gingerbread layer cake. This show-stopping cake marries classic spices with velvety cream cheese frosting for a dessert that’s both elegant and deeply comforting, making it an instant centerpiece for your holiday table.
Why Choose Gingerbread Cake?
- Classic Holiday Flavors: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses evoke festive warmth.
- Versatile Presentation: From casual potlucks to formal dinners, gingerbread cake adapts beautifully.
- Memorable Taste: The robust flavors paired with tangy lemon-kissed frosting create an unforgettable bite.
What Makes Gingerbread Cake Unique?
The essence of gingerbread cake lies in its distinctive medley of spices and sweeteners. While ginger and cinnamon take the spotlight, cloves, molasses, and sometimes nutmeg or allspice create depth and richness unlike any other cake. The dense, moist crumb is perfect for pairing with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting—especially when accented by the brightness of lemon zest.
Common Gingerbread Ingredients
- Ground Ginger
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Cloves
- Molasses (preferably unsulphured)
- Optional: Nutmeg, allspice, or sorghum syrup as a molasses substitute
Layered Gingerbread Cake Essentials
Layering takes the humble gingerbread cake from everyday treat to a showpiece. With multiple cake layers, each spread generously with cream cheese frosting, you’ll get the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy tang in every forkful.
How Many Layers?
| Type of Cake | Typical Layers | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Sheet Cake | 1 | Easy transport and serving |
| Layer Cake | 3-6 | Show-stopping presentation, more cream cheese frosting |
The Ultimate Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe
While gingerbread cakes come in various forms, the following recipe draws inspiration from The Pioneer Woman’s iconic version—a moist, spice-laden cake layered with luscious lemon-flecked cream cheese frosting for a festive finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Nonstick spray with flour
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- Chopped candied ginger (optional)
- White or gold sparkling sugar (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans: grease with nonstick spray and line the bottoms with parchment.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix molasses and hot water until blended. Whisk in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Create Batter: Add the molasses mixture to the dry ingredients and whisk until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake on the center rack for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Cool cakes in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, invert onto wire racks, and cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lemon zest, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Assemble: Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top. Garnish with candied ginger and sparkling sugar as desired.
Tips for a Perfect Gingerbread Layer Cake
- Measure Spices Carefully: Balancing ginger with cinnamon and cloves ensures the cake isn’t overpowering.
- Use Unsulphured Molasses: For authentic flavor and the deepest color.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cake gets dry. Use an oven thermometer for precise baking.
- Let Cake Cool: Frost only once layers are cool to prevent melting.
- Customize the Frosting: Lemon zest offers brightness; add more or less to taste.
What others are reading
Flavor Pairings & Variations
Gingerbread’s robust flavor profile makes it a natural partner for contrasting and complementary flavors:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Rich and tangy, enhanced with lemon zest for brightness.
- Candied Ginger: Both for garnish and an extra spicy punch.
- Alternative Frosting: Swap for a brown sugar buttercream or classic vanilla icing if cream cheese isn’t preferred.
- Toppings: Sugared cranberries, sparkling sugar, or chopped nuts for added festivity and texture.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Why Is My Gingerbread Cake Dry?
- Baking at too high a temperature can dry out your cake. Double check your oven’s temperature with a thermometer.
- Do not overmix the batter or overbake.
Does Gingerbread Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?
- Yes, especially when frosted with cream cheese icing. Refrigerate leftovers after two hours at room temperature.
- Wrap tightly for freshness.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
- Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: Both are delicious; just allow time for frosting to set.
- Make in Advance: Cake layers can be baked ahead and frozen. Thaw and frost the day of serving.
- Leftovers: Store sliced cake in airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Gingerbread Layer Cake: FAQs
What spices are essential for a gingerbread cake?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are the core spices, with optional additions like nutmeg and allspice for complexity.
Can I make this cake without molasses?
While molasses is traditional, you can substitute with sorghum syrup for a milder, yet still authentic, sweetness.
How do I keep my cake moist?
Bake at the recommended temperature, use an oven thermometer, and avoid overbaking. Ingredients like sour cream can help ensure a soft crumb.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, gingerbread cake layers freeze well. Wrap tightly and thaw before frosting.
Can I make cupcakes from this recipe?
Absolutely. Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 15–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Decorating Ideas for Holiday Cheer
Turn your gingerbread layer cake into a seasonal showpiece with festive toppings and styling:
- Sparkling Sugar: Sprinkle gold or white crystals across frosted layers for elegant shimmer.
- Candied Ginger: Chopped pieces add both a decorative touch and a flavor boost.
- Sugared Cranberries: For a pop of color and holiday sparkle.
- Stenciled Powdered Sugar: Add snowflake or tree patterns to slices.
Tips for Making a Show-Stopping Layer Cake
- Level cake layers before frosting for a smooth, stable stack.
- Use an offset spatula to evenly spread frosting.
- Chill layers after frosting to set and avoid shifting.
Holiday Layer Cakes: The Pioneer Woman’s Picks
Layered cakes are a hallmark of celebratory occasions. Among other favorites, the gingerbread layer cake stands out—the six layers of spiced cake and six layers of cream cheese frosting sum up to “12 layers of bliss.”
Nutritional Information
While gingerbread layer cake is designed for indulgence, here are some approximate values per slice (based on a 12-slice cake):
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–700 (depending on frosting and toppings) |
| Sugar | 50–70g |
| Fat | 18–30g |
Note: These values are estimates. For detailed nutritional advice, consult the recipe sources or a nutritionist.
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Success
- Choose High-Quality Spices: Fresh, potent spices can turn a good cake into a great one.
- Flour Accuracy: Measure flour (spooned and leveled) to avoid dense cake.
- Layer Assembly: For dramatic effect, slice each cake into two thinner layers to create a taller stack.
Variations for Every Occasion
- Single layer sheet cake: Simplifies the process for easier serving.
- Layered celebration cake: For birthdays or formal gatherings, build six layers as featured in The Pioneer Woman’s holiday menus.
Final Thoughts
Whether for Christmas, a winter gathering, or simply to enjoy the pleasures of spiced cake, the gingerbread layer cake brings holiday magic to your table. Its balanced spices, nostalgic molasses, and the uplifting touch of lemon zest in cream cheese frosting create a treat worthy of praise. With tips for perfect baking, decorating, and storage, you’re set to make a cake that will be remembered well into spring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I substitute molasses in gingerbread cake?
A: Yes, sorghum syrup can substitute molasses for a milder sweetness without compromising authenticity.
Q: How do I avoid a dry gingerbread cake?
A: Use an oven thermometer for accuracy and do not overbake. Also, ensure proper ingredient ratios for moisture.
Q: What flavors pair best with gingerbread?
A: Lemon zest in frosting provides brightness; candied ginger or sugared cranberries are excellent toppings.
Q: Should leftover cake be refrigerated?
A: Yes, especially with cream cheese frosting; refrigerate after two hours at room temperature.
Q: Can this cake recipe be made in advance?
A: Yes, layers freeze well. Thaw and frost on the day of serving for best freshness.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37261483/gingerbread-cake-recipe/
- https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-layer-cake/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43945052/layered-cakes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a81766/gingerbread-layer-cake/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41767405/gingerbread-recipes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtSqAsvdcpA
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