Name: Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp ground ginger; 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground allspice; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 cup molasses, unsulphured; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup hot water; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Banana slices, for serving

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If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with cozy spices, this Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe is here to brighten your day. It brings together fragrant ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into a moist, tender cake that’s incredibly simple to bake but feels like a special occasion treat. Whether you’re a gingerbread enthusiast or just discovering this classic flavor profile, this recipe is your new go-to for a speedy, flavorful dessert that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate batter that has a slightly rough texture, resting on a white marbled surface. The batter is spread unevenly inside the bowl with some batter stuck on the sides, showing a rich, dense appearance. There is a soft light reflecting on the batter's surface, emphasizing its moist texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and spice in the cake. From the warming spices that define gingerbread’s character to the molasses that adds richness and color, every component works together beautifully.

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base that provides structure and tenderness to the cake.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Adds extra lift for that perfect crumb.
Ground ginger (1 ½ tsp): The star spice, giving the cake its signature zing and warmth.
Ground cinnamon (1 ½ tsp): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that rounds out the flavor.
Ground allspice (¼ tsp): Provides subtle hints of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg for complexity.
Ground cloves (¼ tsp): Brings a touch of intense spice, enhancing the gingerbread vibe.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and highlights the spices.
Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and a tender crumb.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup): Contributes a caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
Large egg, room temperature (1): Binds ingredients and provides structure.
Unsulphured molasses (1 cup): The signature sweetener that imbues the cake with deep, complex flavor and moisture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
Hot water (1 cup): Loosens the batter for a smooth, pourable consistency and ensures moistness.

How to Make Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prepare your baking pan

Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and giving your 9×13 inch baking pan a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step prevents the cake from sticking, making clean-up a breeze and ensuring perfect slices every time.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and salt. Stir them together so the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed—this ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar, then add wet ingredients

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step introduces air into the batter for a fluffy texture. Next, add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, beating until everything is smooth and beautifully blended.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients, finish with hot water

Slowly beat the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed. Blend just until combined, then pour in the hot water. Whisk gently with a hand whisk until the batter turns smooth and pourable—that’s the secret to a moist cake that isn’t too dense.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness; when it comes out clean, you’re ready to take your cake out of the oven. Let it cool so it firms up just right.

Step 6: Whip the topping and slice

While the cake cools, whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until firm peaks form to create a luscious topping. Slice up the gingerbread cake and prepare to enjoy with this rich whipped cream and your favorite accompaniments.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Two thick square pieces of chocolate cake are stacked on a simple white plate. The cake layers are dark brown with a soft, moist texture showing small air bubbles within. The top piece sits slightly angled on the bottom one, showing slightly shiny, smooth frosting or melted chocolate layer between the two darker brown cake layers. There are a few scattered cake crumbs around the plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The background is blurred softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly whipped cream is a classic accompaniment, balancing the spices with creamy sweetness. For an added touch, scatter some banana slices on top to introduce a soft fruitiness that pairs surprisingly well with gingerbread’s warm flavors.

Side Dishes

If you want to elevate your dessert experience, serve slices of this gingerbread cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for tangy contrast. A hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee also complements the aromatic spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this simple cake into a festive centerpiece by layering it with cream cheese frosting for a gingerbread layer cake. Alternatively, cut the cake into small squares and dust with powdered sugar for charming little bites at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any remaining cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Stored at room temperature, it will stay delightful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

This gingerbread cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing its moist texture or spice richness.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover cake warm, simply microwave a slice for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm it briefly in a low oven. Add fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of honey to enhance its comforting flavors when reheated.

FAQs

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses is key to achieving the rich, deep flavor typical of gingerbread, but if you don’t have it, dark maple syrup can work as a substitute. Keep in mind the taste will be slightly different and less robust.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure to use a blend suitable for baking to ensure the best texture.

Can I use ground nutmeg instead of allspice?

Ground nutmeg can replace allspice in a pinch, but allspice offers a unique combination of flavors from cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using nutmeg alone will provide warmth but a slightly different profile.

What’s the best way to store the whipped cream topping?

Whipped cream is best used fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To rewhip, simply whip it briefly again to bring back some of its fluffiness.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! This Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe scales up well. Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans, adjusting the baking time slightly as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe is truly a gem when you want something cozy, spiced, and delightfully moist without spending hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it an everyday indulgence or a charming addition to holiday gatherings. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—it might just become one of your favorite cakes to bake and share!