Nothing feels more like the holidays than the smell of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses drifting from the oven.

That warm, spicy aroma wraps around your kitchen and instantly makes everything feel cozy, nostalgic, and just a little indulgent.

This gingerbread cake is baked for moments like that, when you want comfort without a lot of fuss.

The batter comes together quickly with simple ingredients, yet the finished cake looks and tastes special enough for any festive table.

Serve it warm with a swoop of frosting or a dusting of sugar, slice generous squares to share, and watch the plate disappear. It quietly turns an ordinary evening into a small celebration.

What Is Gingerbread Cake?

Gingerbread cake is a soft, moist spice cake made with molasses and warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

The molasses gives it a deep flavour and dark colour, making it instantly recognisable, and many home bakers consider it the best gingerbread cake recipe in the world.

Unlike crisp gingerbread cookies or dense loaf cakes, this version is tender, fluffy, and easy to slice.

Pudding-style gingerbread bakes have a gooey sauce underneath, while classic cake stays light but still feels cosy and substantial.

That balance of softness, spice, and richness keeps it on holiday tables year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake

These are the reasons this moist gingerbread cake will become your go-to festive bake for every cozy celebration soon.

• Ultra-moist and tender – Molasses, brown sugar, and create a soft crumb that stays delicious and improves the next day.
• Super easy to make – No mixer needed; just simple whisking and folding with pantry staples you probably already have at home.
• Authentic old-fashioned flavor – Bold molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and warm spices deliver the nostalgic gingerbread taste of family tradition.
• Flexible baking options – Bake it as a sheet cake, square cake, bundt, or cupcakes, depending on your crowd and occasion.
• Make-ahead friendly – Flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for prepping before busy holiday dinners, potlucks, or party dessert tables.

Once you taste it, you will understand why this gingerbread cake feels special enough for traditions and effortless weeknights too.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake

Making gingerbread cake is simpler than it looks; with a few bowls, basic ingredients, and warm spices, you create something incredibly cozy.

Step 1: Prep Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

For a 9×13-inch pan, you’ll get a standard sheet cake. An 8-inch square pan creates a thicker cake with more height.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all your spices.

Make sure everything is thoroughly combined so the spices distribute evenly throughout the cake. This prevents spice clumps and ensures every bite has a consistent flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and both sugars until well combined. You can do this by hand with a sturdy whisk. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the molasses, hot water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. The batter will look dark and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Mix just until you no longer see any dry flour streaks. Don’t overmix; this can make your cake tough. A few small lumps are okay and will bake out.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. It takes 35-40 minutes to bake. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

The top should spring back when lightly pressed, and the edges will start to pull away from the pan.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack if desired.

For the best flavor, let the cake rest for at least a few hours or overnight before serving. This resting time allows the spices to bloom and the texture to become even more tender.

Frosting options for your gingerbread cake

Frosting choices let you change the mood of each slice from cozy comfort to show-stopping holiday dessert effortlessly and easily.

• Cream cheese frosting adds richness, balancing the sweet, spiced cake, and gives a bakery-style finish.
• Vanilla cream sauce over warm slices, topped with whipped cream, creates a dessert that feels special.
• Powdered sugar dusting keeps presentation simple and lets gingerbread spices shine in every single bite.
• Lemon or orange glaze adds citrus brightness, cuts richness, and makes every holiday slice lighter.
• Caramel sauce drizzled over slices adds buttery sweetness, pairing with molasses and warm seasonal spices.

Try different toppings each time you bake and find which frosting makes this gingerbread cake your personal unforgettable holiday tradition.

Recipe Notes

Every baker loves to know what to expect before diving in. Here is a quick overview of time, servings, and style so you can see how simple and approachable this gingerbread cake really is.

Note This cake tastes amazing once cooled and frosted, but it is especially delicious the next day when the flavors blend and the crumb sets beautifully.

Cozy Gingerbread Cake Variations To Try

Try these cozy gingerbread cake variations for every occasion, from casual weeknights to festive gatherings and impressive holiday dessert tables.

1. Classic Gingerbread Sheet Cake For Sharing

This classic 9×13 gingerbread sheet cake is perfect for potlucks, office parties, and family gatherings all season long and beyond.

Moist, warmly spiced crumb and thick cream cheese frosting make every slice feel festive, generous, and wonderfully comforting to share.

Expected bake time: 28–35 minutes

2. Party Perfect Gingerbread Cupcakes

Turn the same batter into cute gingerbread cupcakes, ideal for parties, bake sales, dessert tables, and kids’ treats.

Swirls of cream cheese frosting and sparkling crystallized ginger pieces add extra spice, texture, and irresistible holiday charm for everyone.

Expected bake time: 20–22 minutes

3. Showstopper Gingerbread Bundt Cake

Bake the batter in a bundt pan when you want a dramatic centerpiece that still feels cozy and homey inside.

Defined ridges catch glossy rum or orange glaze, creating a moist, intensely flavored cake that slices beautifully for guests everywhere.

Expected bake time: 45–50 minutes

4. Comforting Gingerbread Pudding Cake

For ultimate comfort, turn this recipe into a self-saucing gingerbread pudding cake baked in a deeper dish at home.

Hot caramel or apple cider sinks beneath the batter, forming a gooey sauce under a tender, lightly crisp top layer.

Expected bake time: 35–40 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Curious what is in each slice? Check out this simple nutrition snapshot so you can enjoy every bite mindfully today.

(Per slice – 1 of 12 from a 9×13 inch cake)

Note: These values are estimates based on standard ingredient data. Actual numbers will vary with specific brands, add-ins, and frosting.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cake

Use these simple gingerbread cake tips to get a soft texture, bold flavor, and reliable holiday results every single time.

• Measure flour the right way – Spoon flour into the cup and level it off, rather than scooping straight from the bag.
• Mix gently for a tender crumb – Once dry ingredients are added, stir just until combined to avoid a tough, chewy texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients – Let eggs, butter, and warm water sit slightly so the batter blends smoothly and bakes evenly.
• Choose mild molasses – Unsulphured molasses gives classic flavor without the intense bitterness of blackstrap.
• Let the cake rest before serving – Cool completely and, if possible, leave it several hours or overnight for deeper spice flavor.

With these minor tweaks, your gingerbread cake will taste nostalgic, stay moist, and impress everyone at the table.

How to Store Gingerbread Cake

Store the gingerbread cake based on its finish. If it is unfrosted or glazed, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Tightly wrapping it helps it stay moist and deepen in flavor.

Cakes topped with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream should be well covered and refrigerated, where they will keep for about 4 to 5 days.

Bring slices to room temperature before serving.

For more extended storage, freeze the completely cooled, tightly wrapped cake or individual slices for up to three months, then thaw, frost if needed, and serve.

Ready To Bake Your Cozy Gingerbread Cake

From classic gingerbread cake to cozy variations, frosting ideas, storage tips, and baking tricks, you now have everything covered today.

Choose the version that feels most like you, whether it is simple, showy, extra spice, or gently sweet.
Start with the base cake, then layer on the frosting, variation, and serving style that match your confidence level.

Bake it for a quiet evening, a family gathering, or a holiday party, and let the spices do all the work.

When you do, share a photo or memory with someone you love and let this recipe join your traditions.

If it made your kitchen smell like home, that is the objective measure of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Ginger Instead Of Ground?

Yes, replace part of the ground ginger with grated fresh ginger for brighter, sharper, vibrant spice.

Can I Add Cocoa Or Chocolate Chips To The Batter?

Add tablespoons of cocoa powder or chocolate chips for deeper flavor and mocha notes in slices.

What Type Of Pan Gives The Best Results?

Light-colored metal pans bake evenly and prevent gingerbread from overbrowning or drying out at the edges.

Can I Make A Smaller Batch Of This Cake?

Yes, halve all ingredients and use an eight-inch pan, checking doneness earlier than usual.