Save This spiced gingerbread layer cake combines warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg with a rich molasses-infused batter. Softened butter and brown sugar create a fluffy base, while the buttermilk adds tenderness. Baked to a perfect golden brown in three layers, it is generously filled and topped with smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting. The layers offer a balance of aromatic spice and tangy sweetness, making it a festive centerpiece for any special occasion.
Decorate with crystallized ginger or festive sprinkles to enhance both presentation and flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside spiced chai or coffee for a delightful treat.
I still remember the first time I baked this Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake with Cream Cheese frosting during holiday season. The warm aromas of ginger and cinnamon filling my kitchen reminded me of cozy family gatherings and joyful celebrations.
I’ll never forget the day unexpected guests arrived just as I pulled this cake from the oven. The smiles as they tasted it made every sticky finger and waiting minute worth it.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I reach for this staple because it provides the perfect structure and texture for the cake layers
- Ground ginger and warm spices: These bring that festive, cozy feeling that lifts the whole recipe
- Unsulphured molasses: Adds deep, rich sweetness with a hint of complexity
- Cream cheese: Using softened cream cheese makes the frosting silky smooth and tangy just right
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven and prep your pans carefully to ensure even baking. I like lining them with parchment for easy cake removal, which saves stress later.
- Mix the Dry Spices:
- Whisking the flour together with the aromatic spices and leaveners releases delightful scents that make the kitchen feel alive.
- Beat Butter and Sugar:
- As you beat the butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy, notice the smell and texture changing – it’s the start of something special.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Add molasses and eggs with love, then fold in the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk. Remember, gentle mixing keeps the cake tender.
- Bake with Patience:
- Watch the cake rise and smell the inviting spices during baking. Test with a toothpick to know it’s perfectly done.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar. The creamy frosting is worth savoring every beat.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Stack the cooled cakes with generous spreads of frosting, then decorate however your heart desires.
Save This cake quickly became more than just a dessert: it crowned our holiday table as a festive centerpiece, bringing laughter and stories into the room with every slice.
Keeping It Fresh
I always store leftover cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge to keep them moist and fresh. The frosting helps seal in that lusciousness for days.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Pairing this cake with spiced chai or a robust coffee elevates the experience. A sprinkle of crystallized ginger on top adds a little zing and texture that's irresistible.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, when all bakery shops were closed on a holiday, this cake came to the rescue as a homemade celebration treat that wowed everyone without a single crumb wasted.
- Don’t hesitate to use this recipe when short on time—it’s surprisingly quick to pull together
- Feel free to swap spices according to what you have on hand, it still works beautifully
- Always let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melty layers
Save Thanks for baking along with me! I hope this cake finds a special place at your table and in your heart as it has in mine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread layers?
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The cake incorporates ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- → How can I ensure the layers bake evenly?
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Use three 8-inch round pans lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25–30 minutes.
- → What gives the frosting its creamy texture?
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A combination of softened cream cheese and butter whipped together until smooth, then sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla.
- → Can I replace buttermilk with another ingredient?
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Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, letting it sit for a few minutes before use.
- → How should the cake be stored after assembly?
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Keep the assembled cake refrigerated to maintain the frosting's texture and freshness. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- → What serving suggestions complement the cake?
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Pair this layered gingerbread cake with spiced chai, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine for enhanced flavor enjoyment.
