Every holiday season, the smell of warm spices would fill my grandmother’s kitchen. The rich aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses meant only one thing—her famous moist gingerbread cake was baking in the oven. She always said the secret to keeping it soft and tender was using just the right amount of molasses and hot water.
I remember sitting at her kitchen table, eagerly waiting for the cake to come out of the oven. She’d serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a tradition. Now, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, so you can make it part of your own family celebrations!
Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a cozy winter evening, or simply craving something nostalgic, this gingerbread cake is the perfect treat. The deep, spiced flavor and soft, moist crumb make it absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make with simple pantry staples!
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cake ❤️
Ultra Moist & Tender – Thanks to the perfect balance of molasses and hot water.
Full of Warm Spices – A rich combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Easy & Quick – Simple steps and no complicated techniques.
Perfect for the Holidays – Ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cozy winter night.
You’re going to love this classic homemade gingerbread cake as much as my family does.
What You’ll Need 🛠️
Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. This will make the baking process smooth and stress-free.
Essential Baking Tools 🍽️
Having the proper equipment is key to achieving the perfect moist gingerbread cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
A 9-inch square baking pan – The ideal size for even baking.
Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
A whisk – Helps incorporate the spices and baking soda evenly.
A hand mixer or stand mixer (optional) – Useful for creaming the butter and sugar smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons – Precision matters in baking!
A rubber spatula – Perfect for folding ingredients and scraping the bowl.
Baking Tip: Preparing Your Pan the Right Way 🎂
One of the easiest ways to prevent sticking is to grease and flour your baking pan. Simply rub a thin layer of butter or oil inside the pan, then sprinkle a little flour and tap out the excess.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this deliciously spiced gingerbread cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
To make this soft and moist gingerbread cake, you only need a handful of pantry staples. The combination of warm spices, molasses, and brown sugar creates the perfect deep flavor and tender texture.
Dry Ingredients 🌾
These ingredients provide the structure and signature spice of the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it a soft yet sturdy texture.
½ teaspoons baking soda – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
teaspoon ground ginger – The star spice that gives gingerbread its classic warmth.
teaspoon cinnamon – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
½ teaspoon nutmeg – Complements the ginger and cinnamon beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
Wet Ingredients 🥄
These ingredients keep the cake moist and rich:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds a tender crumb and buttery flavor.
½ cup brown sugar – Provides sweetness and a slight caramel-like richness.
1 egg – Helps bind the ingredients together for the perfect texture.
¾ cup molasses – The key ingredient that gives gingerbread its deep flavor and moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall taste with a hint of sweetness.
1 cup hot water – Keeps the cake incredibly soft and ensures a smooth batter.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations 🛠️
No molasses? Swap it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Want a spicier cake? add cardamom or pinch of ground cloves for warmth.
Gluten-free option? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
Dairy-free version? Replace with coconut oil
Follow these simple steps to make the best homemade gingerbread cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions 🍰
Making this moist gingerbread cake is easy and straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a deliciously spiced cake ready to enjoy in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan 🔥
Before you start mixing the ingredients, it’s important to set up your baking environment.
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – This ensures even baking and the perfect rise.
2️⃣ Grease and flour your 9-inch square baking pan – You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3️⃣ Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
👉 Tip: If using parchment paper, let it hang slightly over the edges so you can lift the cake out easily once it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients 🥣
A well-balanced spice blend is what makes gingerbread cake so special.
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoons baking soda 1
teaspoon ground ginger 1
teaspoon cinnamon 1
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
2️⃣ Stir until everything is evenly combined, then set the bowl aside.
👉 Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients can help prevent lumps and create a smoother batter.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients 🥄
Now, let’s bring in the moisture!
1️⃣ In another large bowl, beat together:
½ cup melted unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
2️⃣ Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Add ¾ cup molasses and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well.
👉 Tip: Molasses can be thick and sticky—lightly greasing your measuring cup makes it easier to pour.
Step 4: Bring It All Together 🔄
Now, we combine everything to create the perfect gingerbread cake batter.
1️⃣ Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring as you go.
2️⃣ Gradually pour in 1 cup of hot water, mixing until the batter is smooth.
👉 Tip: The batter will be thin, but don’t worry—that’s what makes the cake super moist!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection 🎂
Time to get this cake in the oven!
1️⃣ Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan.
2️⃣ Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
3️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
👉 Tip: Every oven is different—start checking for doneness around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Cool & Serve 🍽️
Once the cake is done, patience is key!
1️⃣ Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2️⃣ Slice and serve warm, with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
👉 Want to try more spiced desserts? Check out this delicious Spiced Chai Cake!
Nutrition & Storage Tips 🥗🏡
Now that your moist gingerbread cake is out of the oven, let’s talk about how to store it properly and what you can expect in terms of nutrition.
Nutrition Information Per Serving 📊
This cake is a delicious holiday indulgence, but it’s also made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s an estimated breakdown for one slice (based on a 9-slice serving size):
Calories: ~250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 1g
👉 Looking for more delicious baked goods? Check out these Indian-Inspired Desserts for more inspiration!
Best Ways to Store Gingerbread Cake 🏡
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature or Refrigerator) 🍪
At Room Temperature: Keep in a sealed container for up to 72 hours to maintain freshness.
In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week in a sealed container.
👉 Tip: Warm refrigerated slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the fresh-out-of-the-oven softness!
Freezing for Long-Term Storage ❄️
Want to make ahead or save leftovers? This cake freezes beautifully!
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
👉 Need more holiday baking inspiration? Check out these Holiday Baking Ideas!
Variations & Substitutions 🔄
Want to customize this moist gingerbread cake to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences? Here are some simple swaps and creative twists!
Gluten-Free Option 🌾🚫
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
The texture may be slightly different, but the cake will still be soft and flavorful!
👉 Looking for more gluten-free treats? Try this Gluten-Free Chai Cake!
Dairy-Free Version 🥛🚫
✔ Swap unsalted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan butter.
✔ The coconut oil adds a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices.
Extra Spiced Variation 🌶️
Love bold flavors? Try adding:
¼ teaspoon ground cloves for a deeper warmth.
¼ teaspoon cardamom for an extra cozy flavor.
A pinch of black pepper for a subtle spicy kick (trust me, it works!).
Sweeter or Less Sweet? 🍯
✔ Prefer a less sweet cake? Reduce the brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
✔ Want a sweeter cake? Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey for extra richness.
Fun Toppings & Add-Ons 🍫
Powdered sugar dusting for a simple, elegant finish.
Cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy contrast.
Chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
FAQs – Your Gingerbread Cake Questions Answered ❓
Have questions about making the perfect moist gingerbread cake? Here are some common queries and helpful answers!
1. How do you keep gingerbread cake moist?
Use molasses and brown sugar, which both help retain moisture.
Don’t overbake—check for doneness at 35 minutes to prevent drying out.
Store in an airtight container to lock in moisture.
2. Can I make gingerbread cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day because the spices develop overnight.
✔ Bake 1-2 days in advance and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
✔ Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
3. What’s the best frosting for gingerbread cake?
Cream cheese frosting – The tanginess balances the warm spices.
Simple vanilla glaze – A light, sweet touch.
Whipped cream – Adds an airy, creamy contrast.
4. Can I make this cake gluten-free or dairy-free?
✔ Yes! Use gluten-free flour for a GF version.
✔ Swap butter for coconut oil to make it dairy-free.
5. Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?
✔ Yes! Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
✔ Check for doneness with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, they’re ready!
👉 Inspired by classic gingerbread recipes? Check out these variations from Serious Eats and King Arthur Baking!
