Gingerbread Layer Cake is a delightful and festive dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings. This layered cake is a treat for the senses, featuring the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined with rich, dark brown sugar.
Its fluffy texture and creamy frosting create a beautiful contrast that evokes feelings of nostalgia, bringing back memories of holiday festivities and sweet indulgences. With each bite, you experience the cozy comfort of freshly baked gingerbread, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a showstopper dessert.
This step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating this versatile layered cake that’s worth every minute invested in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Gingerbread Layer Cake is an absolute delight for home bakers and dessert lovers alike. Key benefits include easy preparation and family-friendly ingredients, making it a perfect project for kitchen novices and experienced bakers. The recipe balances traditional flavors with a straightforward approach, ensuring minimal ingredients without compromising on taste. With an impressive presentation and comforting flavors, this cake is sure to brighten up any gathering. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to bond with family, encouraging endless opportunities for creativity while baking together.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Layer Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – A versatile base known for its fluffy texture.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar – Adds moisture and a rich caramelized flavor.
- 2 tsp baking powder – Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice that’s comforting.
- 1 tsp ground ginger – Provides that signature gingerbread taste.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – Enhances the cake with its nutty sweetness.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature) – Binds the ingredients for a lovely texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Contributes rich creaminess to the batter.
- 1/2 cup milk – Ensures moisture while keeping the cake light.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – A perfect base for a luxurious frosting.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting with a silky finish.
Step-by-Step Directions for Gingerbread Layer Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This dry mix forms a fragrant spice blend essential for the cake.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is vital as it incorporates air into the batter, providing lift.
- One at a time, add the eggs to the buttery sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the mixture and ensures a uniform batter.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as that can lead to a dense cake!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. A cooled cake is essential for applying the frosting effectively.
Frosting and Assembling Gingerbread Layer Cake
- For the frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more sugar if desired.
- Once your cakes are cooled, place one layer of the gingerbread cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top.
- Continue to frost the top and sides of the cake, creating a beautiful presentation. Feel free to decorate with additional spices, holiday-themed sprinkles, or even candied ginger.
Tips & Tricks
- For an added depth of flavor, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- If you enjoy a richer texture, try adding a splash of molasses to the batter.
- This cake can be made a day in advance; flavors deepen as it sits.
- Keep the cake chilled for a firmer texture when slicing, and for a more festive look, add caramel drizzles or grated ginger as garnishes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Gingerbread Layer Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Pair it with a hot beverage like spiced apple cider or a cozy cup of chai tea to enhance the flavors of the cake. For a festive touch, consider adding cinnamon sticks or star anise as table decor alongside the cake.
Nutritional Information
Though dessert is best enjoyed in moderation, here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional information for a slice of Gingerbread Layer Cake:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per slice
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 4g
Make sure to enjoy it as a special treat during the holiday season!
Storing Tips & Variations for Gingerbread Layer Cake
To store leftover Gingerbread Layer Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to three days at room temperature. The cake can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage—simply thaw it in the fridge overnight when you want to enjoy it again. For variations, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or switch up the frosting by using chocolate ganache for a twist.
Conclusion for Gingerbread Layer Cake
This Gingerbread Layer Cake is sure to become a go-to recipe for your holiday celebrations or anytime you’re craving warm, comforting flavors. With its aromatic spices and creamy frosting, you won’t just satisfy your sweet tooth; you’ll create moments of joy and connection around the table. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and slice into a world of delightful flavors today!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it already.
2. How can I lighten the frosting?
To lighten the frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add some whipped cream for a fluffier texture.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes better after a day or two, so feel free to bake it in advance and store it in the fridge before serving.
4. What spices can I add for more flavor?
Feel free to add ground cloves or allspice for an extra layer of warmth; just ensure you remain balanced to avoid overpowering the ginger.
5. Can I decorate the cake in any other way?
Certainly! Try incorporating candied fruits, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers to personalize your cake and make it more visually appealing.
Gingerbread Layer Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and festive layered cake perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving platter, frost, and then top with the second layer and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate as desired with spices, sprinkles, or candied ginger.
Notes
For added flavor, substitute some flour with whole wheat flour or add a splash of molasses. This cake can be made a day in advance for deeper flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
