There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of ginger and molasses filling your kitchen, and this Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe is exactly that joy in cake form. It combines a perfect blend of aromatic spices with a rich, tender crumb that stays incredibly moist, making it an irresistible treat all year round. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just craving something deeply satisfying, this gingerbread cake delivers a hug in every bite. Get ready to delight your senses and become a gingerbread lover for life!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this cake are simple pantry staples and a handful of warm spices that work together to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile and a wonderfully moist texture. Each ingredient plays its part, from the deep richness of molasses to the lively kick of ground ginger.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake while keeping it tender.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The star spice, bringing that classic gingerbread bite.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness to the spice mix.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle nutty aroma that complements the spices.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Imparts a slightly pungent, cozy depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsulfured molasses: Provides moisture, color, and that iconic gingerbread richness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, unlike butter, which can make gingerbread a bit dense.
- 1 cup hot water: Helps dissolve the molasses and sugar, ensuring a smooth batter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
How to Make Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake will come out clean and intact, making for a smooth baking experience from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well blended. This ensures every bite has a consistent burst of those warm spices — the foundation of your gingerbread magic.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and hot water. The hot water helps the sugar dissolve easily, resulting in a silky smooth mix that melds perfectly into the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract into the wet mixture. This step adds eggs for structure and richness, while the vanilla complements the spices, boosting flavor complexity.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula. Be gentle and mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, and this recipe loves being tender and moist.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. This makes for even baking and a beautiful presentation once out of the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, signaling the perfect bake.
Step 8: Cool Your Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to set the crumb and lock in that wonderful moisture.
Step 9: Add Final Touches
For a bit of extra flair, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and water over your cake, or spread creamy cream cheese frosting for a lush finish. Both elevate the Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe to a new level of indulgence.
How to Serve Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A pinch of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add the perfect finishing touch, enhancing both flavor and texture while keeping the cake’s spotlight front and center.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of chai tea. The creaminess and warmth together bring out the cake’s cozy spice notes, creating an unforgettable tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or layer it with cream cheese frosting and fresh pear slices for an elegant trifle. These creative presentations make the Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe the star at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several cozy evenings.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for a fresh-baked taste any time you want.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or pop the entire cake (covered) in a low oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This brings back the fresh out-of-the-oven softness that makes the Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?
While honey or maple syrup add sweetness, molasses gives this gingerbread its distinctive deep flavor and color. For the true Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe experience, molasses is recommended.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture and rise.
How can I make this cake more spicy?
Increasing the ground ginger or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can amp up the spice level. Just be careful to balance so it doesn’t overpower the other warm flavors.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into cupcake liners and reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them with the toothpick test for perfect moist cupcakes.
What frosting pairs best with this gingerbread cake?
Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice that complements the spices beautifully. Alternatively, a simple vanilla glaze or whipped cream also work wonderfully without overpowering the cake.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking and sharing the Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe. It’s more than just a cake — it’s an invitation to warmth, comfort, and joy that fills your kitchen and heart. I encourage you to try it out and watch it become your go-to recipe for cozy moments and celebrations alike.
Print
Super Moist Gingerbread Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Super Moist Gingerbread Cake recipe offers a tender and flavorful treat perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a warmly spiced dessert. Made with a harmonious blend of spices, molasses, and a moist batter, this cake is easy to prepare and results in a soft, rich texture ideal for serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the finished cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until the spices are well combined throughout the flour mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and hot water until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the wet mixture thoroughly to form a consistent batter.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the combined batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to develop the best texture and flavor.
- Optional Topping: For added richness, drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with water over the cooled cake or spread with cream cheese frosting before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Molasses adds moisture and a distinctive flavor; use unsulfured for best taste.
- Ensure the hot water is not boiling to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Use parchment paper for easier cake removal and cleaner edges.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Consider serving with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.
