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Dark & Moist Molasses Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A rich and tender gingerbread cake infused with warm spices and molasses, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting for a comforting dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 9 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Gingerbread Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup milk
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then blend in molasses and vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until a smooth batter forms.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30–35 minutes.
  7. Cool completely before frosting.
  8. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
  9. Spread frosting over cooled cake, slice, and serve.

Notes

For deeper flavor, allow the cake to rest overnight before serving.