Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cake for January Baking

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If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, heartwarming treat to brighten up those chilly days, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: the Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cake for January Baking. This cake is a perfect balance of warmly spiced ginger, cinnamon, and cloves wrapped in moist, tender crumb, all sweetened with rich molasses to bring depth and color. Whether you enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or lavish it with luscious spiced cream cheese frosting, it’s an absolute delight that feels like a big, comforting hug in every bite. Trust me, this cake is a January treasure you’re going to want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cake for January Baking calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create those signature flavors and textures we love. Each component brings something special—from the warming spices to the molasses that adds moisture and that gorgeous dark hue.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and tenderness when properly measured.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly for a light, airy texture.
• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger: Packs that essential warm, spicy kick classic to gingerbread.
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds sweetness and depth to the spice profile.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Just a pinch adds complexity and warmth without overpowering.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ¾ cup unsulphured molasses: The star ingredient that sweetens and gives color, choose a quality brand like Grandma’s.
• ¾ cup hot water (about 100°F): Helps dissolve the molasses and bloom the spices for a rich taste.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
• ⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and enhances moisture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the batter and contributes to texture and color.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the warm spices with a subtle sweetness.

How to Make Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cake for January Baking

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan

First things first, adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your cake pan—a 9-inch springform, square, or rectangular pan works beautifully—and set it aside. This preparation ensures even baking and easy release.

Step 2: Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until evenly mixed. This distributes the leavening and spices so every bite bursts with balanced flavor.

Step 3: Mixing Molasses and Hot Water

In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk the molasses into the hot water until smooth. The warmth helps blend these two for a more integrated batter and allows the spices to bloom beautifully.

Step 4: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on high speed for about a minute until creamy. Add the brown sugar and continue beating vigorously for two minutes to ensure a light, fluffy base for the cake.

Step 5: Incorporating Egg and Vanilla

On medium-high speed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Stop occasionally to scrape down the bowl with a spatula; this step guarantees an even mixture without pesky clumps.

Step 6: Combining Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the molasses-water mixture—starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can toughen the cake. Give the batter a gentle whisk by hand at the end to smooth out any remaining lumps. The batter should be slightly thick, which is perfect.

Step 7: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for about 35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.

Step 8: Cooling and Frosting

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely—it’s important to wait before adding frosting. For the spiced cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Beat everything together until smooth and spread over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!

How to Serve Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cake for January Baking

Garnishes

A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar can highlight the cake’s warm tones, but if you want to elevate its charm, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream or the optional spiced cream cheese frosting. For festive flair, sprinkles or sugared cranberries add a pretty pop of color and texture.

Side Dishes

This gingerbread cake pairs wonderfully with many sides: a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cold creaminess contrast, a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee for a cozy sip, or even a bowl of stewed fruit like spiced apples or poached pears to complement the spice notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform the cake into an impressive layered dessert by slicing it and adding frosting between layers for height and richness. For a rustic look, serve it on a wooden board with scattered nuts and fresh cranberries. If you’re hosting, consider mini individual portions baked in ramekins or muffin tins for easy sharing and a charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and frosted, cover the leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite without rush.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or store in an airtight freezer container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its moist texture or flavor. Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your gingerbread cake slightly warm, simply microwave a slice for about 15 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy with a bit of butter or a warm drizzle of honey to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of unsulphured molasses?

Blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor that can overpower the cake. Unsulphured molasses, like Grandma’s brand, is ideal for its rich sweetness and smooth taste, perfect for this cake.

Is this recipe suitable for making a layer cake?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully for layer cakes. Just bake in thinner pans, allow the layers to cool completely, then stack and frost. It makes for an elegant presentation and extra deliciousness.

What makes this gingerbread cake different from gingerbread cookies?

This gingerbread cake is moist, fluffy, and tender, much softer than gingerbread cookies, which are firm and crisp. It’s rich with the same beloved warm spices but perfect when you want a comforting slice rather than a crunch.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter gives the cake a distinct richness and flavor, which is key to the Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cake for January Baking, but if needed, you can substitute with an equal amount of vegetable oil. Expect a slightly different texture and flavor, though still delicious.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs (never wet batter), the cake is done. Also, the edges will begin to pull slightly away from the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cake for January Baking is truly a recipe to keep near and dear to your heart throughout the winter months. Its beautiful balance of spices, tender crumb, and molasses richness creates a dessert that’s both comforting and delightfully festive. I can’t encourage you enough to give this a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to add a bit of warmth and sweetness to those cold January days.

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