Top 3 Amazing Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipes to Warm Your Winter Celebrations!
As the chill of winter settles in, the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven can turn any ordinary day into a cozy celebration. Imagine bringing friends and family together around a stunning layer cake that tastes just like the holidays. This gingerbread layer cake is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it also fills your home with a delightful scent that invites everyone in.
This gingerbread layer cake is a festive masterpiece, combining the rich flavors of molasses and spices with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. Baking this cake involves layering fluffy gingerbread with smooth frosting, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The result is a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gingerbread men or holiday sprinkles for decoration (optional)
What makes this cake truly special is the perfect balance of spices that capture the essence of gingerbread. Each layer is incredibly moist and has that classic warmth that gingerbread lovers crave. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake becomes a delightful treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dessert. Plus, it looks gorgeous on a festive table, making it the highlight of any celebration!
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing three 8-inch round cake pans. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the molasses and hot water until everything is smooth, and then gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cakes are cooling, whip up the cream cheese frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it’s fluffy and smooth. Once the cakes are cool, layer them with the cream cheese frosting in between and cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting.
To finish off your gingerbread layer cake, get creative with the decoration! You can pipe some extra frosting on top, sprinkle it with holiday-themed decorations, or even add little gingerbread men around the base for a fun touch. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the festive spirit of your cake. Everyone will be excited to dig in, and you’ll love how it brings everyone together during the chilly winter months!
