Easy Gingerbread Cake: Comforting, Simple Recipe!

Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my family’s absolute favorite treats – gingerbread cake. I’ll never forget the first time I baked a gingerbread cake. It was a chilly December evening, and the aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses filled our cozy little kitchen. I was determined to recreate the magical warmth of the holidays. The kids were so excited, peeking into the oven every few minutes. And when that first bite of moist, spiced cake hit their taste buds? Pure joy. That’s how this gingerbread cake became a total comfort food win for our family.

It’s become a yearly tradition now. This simple gingerbread cake brings so much family comfort, especially when life gets a little hectic. I know, as moms, we’re all juggling a million things, but trust me, this recipe is sanity-saving! Join me as we bake this delightful, comforting gingerbread cake together – because every busy mom deserves a little kitchen comfort!

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this simple, soul-warming gingerbread cake. Trust me, this gingerbread cake ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our comforting cake.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: For that perfect rise, making our gingerbread cake light and airy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps create a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic gingerbread spice.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The star of the show! Essential for that authentic gingerbread flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves: A hint of warmth and spice.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 cup molasses: This is the key ingredient! Don’t skip it. This is how you get that classic molasses cake flavor.
• 1 cup hot water: Helps to dissolve the molasses and create a moist cake.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist.

No worries if you don’t have brown sugar – I sometimes use a bit of extra granulated sugar and a tablespoon of molasses for extra comfort in my gingerbread cake! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This gingerbread cake proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra comfort when I add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a little zing!

Okay, fellow comfort seekers, let’s get baking! I’ll walk you through this step-by-step as if we’re in the kitchen together, making this gingerbread cake.

1. Preheat & Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I usually use a non-stick spray for ease, but butter and flour work just as well!
2. Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. This ensures that all those spices are evenly distributed for maximum flavor in our gingerbread cake.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Here’s where I used to struggle with my gingerbread cake – make sure your butter is really softened!
4. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses. Your mixture should look smooth and well combined at this point. Don’t worry if your gingerbread cake looks a little dark at this stage – that’s the molasses doing its job!
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Oil In: Stir in the vegetable oil until everything is well incorporated. The batter will be thin.
7. Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your gingerbread cake should smell amazing by now! In my busy kitchen, this comforting gingerbread cake usually takes around 40 minutes to bake, but ovens vary.
9. Cool & Enjoy: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While your gingerbread cake is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

This gingerbread cake is seriously a crowd-pleaser. My family goes crazy for it in so many ways!

The kids devour this comforting gingerbread cake when I serve it with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also love it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a more grown-up twist, I sometimes add a drizzle of caramel sauce. This gingerbread cake is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!

This gingerbread loaf is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. I’ve even made mini gingerbread cakes for school bake sales – they always sell out!

For presentation, I like to dust the gingerbread dessert with powdered sugar for a pretty, snowy effect. Sometimes I cut it into squares and arrange them on a platter for easy serving.

Leftovers? If there are any (which is rare!), I love crumbling the gingerbread cake over yogurt or using it to make a simple bread pudding.

This year, I might even try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts for a little extra crunch and flavor. My guest’s reactions to this delicious gingerbread cake has always been positive. It’s a definite crowd pleaser!

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns I hear from fellow busy moms about this gingerbread cake. I hope my personal gingerbread cake experiences and cooking discoveries help!

• Is this gingerbread cake really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The molasses and spices give it a hearty, satisfying flavor that keeps them full and happy.
• What if my picky eater won’t try this gingerbread cake? Try serving it with a familiar favorite like ice cream or whipped cream. You can also cut it into fun shapes with cookie cutters to make it more appealing.
• Can I meal prep this gingerbread cake for busy weeks ahead? Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day. Bake it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Can I freeze this spiced cake recipe? Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Can I make this gingerbread cake gluten-free? I haven’t tried it myself, but you could try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum.
• Can I reduce the sugar in this molasses cake? You can try reducing the sugar by ¼ cup, but keep in mind that it will affect the texture of the cake.
• What if I don’t have molasses? You can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, but the flavor will be slightly different. Check out recommendations from other cake bakers at Can anyone direct a recipe for a traditional gingerbread cake?.

This gingerbread cake has truly become a cornerstone of our family’s comfort food traditions. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of busy schedules, we can create moments of joy and connection through simple, homemade food. This recipe supports my family’s comfort food goals, especially when we need to celebrate small victories, or just need a pick me up during the cold season.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
• Use good quality molasses: It makes a big difference in flavor!
• Let it cool completely before frosting (if using): This prevents the frosting from melting.

• Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Top with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a classic combination.

My son loves the chocolate chip version, while my daughter prefers it plain with vanilla ice cream. I encourage you to make this gingerbread cake your own, adapting it to your family’s unique tastes and preferences. For even more baking inspiration, check out Recipe: Dark Molasses Gingerbread Cake | The Kitchn.

I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family as it has to mine. Remember, cooking is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the cozy chaos, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my other recipes like the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, the Halloween No-Bake Icebox Cake or the Halloween Oreo Dirt Cake!

This satisfying gingerbread cake is an old recipe but it offers so many ways to make your own! You might even find inspiration for a ginger or molasses cake recipe from Ginger or Molasses Cake Recipe for Small Loaves.

Happy baking, fellow moms! I’m sending you warm wishes for dinnertime wins and plenty of simple comfort. You got this! ❤️ Enjoy this simple and delicious gingerbread cake recipe!