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Hey there, sweet friends!
The holiday spirit is in the air, and you know what that means—it’s time for some festive baking!
Today, I’m super excited to share my recipe for a delicious Christmas gingerbread cake.
It’s soft, spiced, and perfect for cozy gatherings with family and friends.
Plus, the smell while it bakes? Pure magic!
So, grab your apron, and let’s get into the holiday spirit together!
Preparation Time | 30-45 minutes |
Cooking Time | 30-35 minutes |
Total Time | 60-80 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
Gingerbread
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups molasses
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups powdered sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease three 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Set the prepared pans aside for later use.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup melted butter, 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups molasses, 1 cup warm water, 1 cup room temperature buttermilk, and 3 large eggs for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Add Spices and Leavening Agents
To the wet mixture, add 2 tablespoons ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon ground cloves, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
Mix for 10-15 seconds until these ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until just combined and no white specks of flour remain.
Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake layer comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 16 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Gradually add up to 6 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place the first layer on a cake stand or serving platter.
Frost between each layer, as well as the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting.
Decorate the cake with sprinkles or other decorations as desired.
Step 8: Store and Serve
Store the cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
However, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
When ready to enjoy, slice and serve the cake.
Bon appétit!