Gingerbread Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There is nothing quite like the warm, spiced embrace of a Gingerbread Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to brighten up any day. This cake is a beautifully balanced treat where the rich, molasses-filled gingerbread is perfectly complemented by a luscious caramel sauce and a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Every bite offers a comforting blend of spices with just the right hint of sweetness, making it a delightful centerpiece for holiday gatherings or a special weekend indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress friends and family, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Gingerbread Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component—from the warm spices to the creamy butter and rich molasses—plays a crucial role, ensuring the final cake is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups / 281 g): Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cake.
• Ground ginger (1 tbsp): Gives that signature spicy warmth that defines gingerbread.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Adds depth and sweet, woody notes.
• Ground nutmeg (1 tsp): Offers a subtle nutty, earthy background flavor.
• Ground allspice (1/2 tsp): Enhances complexity with hints of clove and cinnamon.
• Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Brings a sharp, aromatic punch to the spice blend.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Works with acids to ensure lightness and tenderness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• Unsalted butter (10 tbsp / 140 g, softened): Contributes richness and a velvety texture.
• Granulated white sugar (1/2 cup / 100 g): Adds sweetness and moisture.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup / 110 g, packed): Introduces a hint of molasses flavor and chewiness.
• Eggs (3, at room temperature): Bind ingredients together, offering structure and moisture.
• Unsulphured molasses (1/2 cup / 170 g): The heart of the gingerbread flavor, providing depth and rich sweetness.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the warm flavors.
• Buttermilk (3/4 cup / 180 g, at room temperature): Gives the cake a tender crumb and subtle tang.
• Unsalted butter (9 tbsp / 126 g) for caramel: Adds buttery richness to the sauce.
• Unsulphured molasses (3 tbsp / 64 g) for caramel: Brings that signature dark sweetness to the caramel.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup / 165 g) for caramel: Provides caramel complexity and sweetness.
• Heavy cream (1 cup / 240 ml): Creates a luxuriously smooth caramel sauce.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp) for caramel: Boosts caramel aroma and sweetness.
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves (various pinch amounts): Spices that harmonize the caramel to complement the cake’s flavor.
• Salt (1/4 tsp) for caramel: Balances the sweetness in the sauce.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup / 224 g, softened) for frosting: Adds creaminess and stability.
• Cream cheese (8 oz / 226 g, cold): Brings tang and silkiness to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups / 325 g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, generously spray a 9×9 inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper. This thoughtful prep step makes sure your cake will come out cleanly and maintain its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates a fragrant, evenly combined spice base that will be the backbone of your gingerbread flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with the white and brown sugars until fluffy and light. This process is key to incorporating air for a lighter cake texture while building a rich base layer of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Molasses, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth, cohesive batter packed with the distinct gingerbread flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted flour mixture alternating with buttermilk in low speed to avoid overmixing. This gentle folding method keeps the batter tender and airy, contributing to a soft crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake it for approximately 34 to 39 minutes. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness; it should come out clean with no wet batter attached. This perfectly timed bake ensures the cake is moist and cooked through.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then carefully lift it out using the parchment paper. Transfer to the wire rack and cool completely before moving on to decorating. Patience here helps your frosting and caramel set nicely.

Step 8: Make the Spiced Caramel Sauce

Melt butter, molasses, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in heavy cream. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes to create a rich sauce.

Step 9: Spice the Caramel

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. These spices tie the caramel’s flavor beautifully to the cake. Let the caramel cool completely before decorating.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter on high speed for 5 minutes until fluffy, then add cold cream cheese and beat again until light. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, mixing on low speed first, then increasing to high until your frosting is silky smooth and gorgeous.

Step 11: Create Holes and Fill with Caramel

Move the cooled cake to a serving plate and use a wooden skewer or spoon handle to poke holes evenly across the top. Fill a piping bag with your cooled caramel and pipe it slowly into each hole. Smooth the top gently with an offset spatula, warming the caramel if needed for easier piping.

Step 12: Frost and Finish the Cake

Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the cake’s top, ensuring a thick, even layer. Finish with a beautiful drizzle of extra caramel sauce, swirling slightly with the back of a spoon for an elegant touch. Slice into 16 squares and serve, optionally adding more caramel on each piece if you desire extra richness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a crunchy contrast, while a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg powder on top enhances those cozy spicy notes. Fresh cranberries or candied ginger make festive, colorful accents that elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

This gingerbread cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to lighten each bite. For cozy drinks, serve alongside a cup of spiced chai, coffee, or a warm mug of hot apple cider for the ultimate comforting dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake as mini squares on a festive platter, each with its own caramel drizzle and a mint leaf for color. Alternatively, stack the cake pieces with extra cream cheese frosting between layers for an easy gingerbread layer cake. For parties, dessert shooters with crumbled cake, caramel, and frosting layers in small glasses make an exciting and elegant option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gingerbread Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting delight even after the special occasion.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw completely before frosting and adding the caramel. The frosting can be made ahead and frozen separately in an airtight container as well.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness. Avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese frosting from melting too much, preserving the perfect texture combination of cake, caramel, and frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of molasses for this recipe?

For the best authentic gingerbread flavor, unsulphured molasses is recommended because it has a rich, deep sweetness without bitterness. Using blackstrap molasses will result in a more intense, slightly bitter flavor, so stick with unsulphured if possible.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk for the cake?

Buttermilk adds tenderness and a gentle tang that balances the sweetness, but you can substitute with whole milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the batter to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

Once your caramel cools, it will thicken but remain pourable if stored properly. If it becomes too firm, simply warm it gently over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep it smooth enough for piping or drizzling.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but the flavor will remain deliciously spiced and sweet.

What is the best way to get clean cake slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing each piece. This technique helps you achieve smooth, neat cuts without dragging the frosting or caramel, ensuring picture-perfect servings every time.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Gingerbread Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—it’s more than just dessert, it’s a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to try baking it for your next get-together or just to treat yourself; the dazzling flavors and comforting spices will bring smiles all around. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to share and savor.

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