Gingerbread Cake

Everyone loves this Gingerbread Cake recipe topped with vanilla cream sauce, bananas, and whipped cream. This delightful dessert is perfect for the holidays and can elevate any gathering. Its rich flavors and cozy spices make it a standout treat that brings warmth to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm and inviting taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Topping Options: Enjoy it with fresh bananas, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual get-together, this Gingerbread Cake fits right in.
• Delicious Leftovers: This cake stays moist for days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or late-night snacks.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Gingerbread Cake, gather essential tools to streamline the process. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Cooking spray
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light texture.
• Baking Pan: Using the correct size ensures even baking and prevents overflow.
• Toothpick: A simple but effective tool to check if your cake is fully baked.

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Ingredients

To make this delicious Gingerbread Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 cup unsulphered molasses
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup very hot water

For Topping

• Bananas (for topping)
• Fresh whipped cream (for topping)

For the Vanilla Cream Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make Gingerbread Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the granulated sugar and butter until smooth and light.
2. Add the beaten egg and unsulphered molasses; mix well until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
– Mix together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture:
– Stir until just combined.
– Slowly pour in the very hot water while stirring until smooth; note that the batter will be thin.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan:
– Bake for 20-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving warm:
– Top with fresh sliced bananas, whipped cream, and drizzle with vanilla cream sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Cake!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or a casual gathering, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Bananas

• Slice ripe bananas and arrange them on top of the warm gingerbread cake for a sweet, fruity contrast.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the cake’s rich flavors and provide a creamy texture.

Drizzled with Vanilla Cream Sauce

• Pour homemade vanilla cream sauce over each slice for an extra indulgent touch that complements the spices in the cake.

Served with Ice Cream

• Pair warm slices of gingerbread cake with vanilla ice cream for a delicious temperature contrast that melts in your mouth.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy leftover gingerbread cake as a quick breakfast option. It’s great with coffee or tea and makes for a cozy morning start.

With Nuts or Candies

• Top the cake with chopped nuts or festive candies for added crunch and color, making it even more appealing for holiday gatherings.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cake

To create the perfect Gingerbread Cake, follow these essential tips to ensure your baking turns out beautifully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down. This prevents a dense cake.

• Mix just until combined: Overmixing can lead to tough cake. Stir until ingredients are just combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Check doneness carefully: Use a toothpick to test the center of the cake about 5 minutes before the suggested baking time. This prevents overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Gingerbread Cake enhances its flavor profile and provides variety. Here are some delicious options you can consider:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy cream cheese frosting adds richness and balances the spices in the gingerbread cake perfectly.

2. Spiced Applesauce: Serve warm spiced applesauce alongside your cake for a comforting flavor combination that complements its warmth.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans: Crunchy pecans coated in cinnamon sugar make for an excellent crunchy topping or side snack next to gingerbread slices.

4. Chai Tea: A cup of spiced chai tea pairs well with gingerbread, enhancing its warm flavors while adding a cozy drink option.

5. Pumpkin Soup: A light pumpkin soup serves as an excellent starter dish that harmonizes beautifully with ginger-flavored desserts.

6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over individual slices adds sweetness and richness, taking your dessert experience to another level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure ingredients accurately. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for water and molasses.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cake rise properly.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Ignoring the Toothpick Test: Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean, your Gingerbread Cake is done!
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Gingerbread Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Gingerbread Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating Gingerbread Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Gingerbread Cake:

Can I make this Gingerbread Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day before serving. Just store it properly in the refrigerator.

How can I customize my Gingerbread Cake?

You can add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture. Spices like nutmeg can also enhance the flavor.

What should I serve with Gingerbread Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.

How do I know when my Gingerbread Cake is done?

Use a toothpick to check doneness; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Its rich flavors make it versatile enough for various toppings and pairings. Don’t hesitate to try different fruit toppings or spices to make this recipe your own!