Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Warm Spices and Sweetness

Gingerbread cake is a festive treat that has stood the test of time, dating back to medieval Europe where it was often made for special occasions like Christmas, but its appeal has transcended centuries. This Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake combines the traditional flavors of gingerbread with the decadence of a layered cake, perfect for any celebration, from holiday feasts to birthdays.

In this recipe, we’re bringing together deep flavors of molasses, spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, with a buttery, moist cake texture. The cream cheese or buttercream frosting adds a tangy or creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the warmth of the spiced layers.

Whether you opt for the tangy cream cheese frosting or the smooth, sweet buttercream, this cake is sure to become a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (250g)
1½ cups brown sugar (300g)
3 large eggs
¾ cup molasses or black treacle (180ml)
¼ cup golden syrup or honey (60ml)
1 cup buttermilk (250ml)
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

Option 1: Cream Cheese Frosting

300g cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter (125g), softened
4 cups icing sugar (480g), sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Option 2: White Buttercream

1½ cups unsalted butter (375g), softened
5 cups icing sugar (600g), sifted
4 tbsp milk or heavy cream (60ml)
1½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line four 8-inch round pans, or you can bake in two pans and slice each in half to create four layers.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand or stand mixer (about 3-5 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the molasses, golden syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly touched.
Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and light, about 5 minutes.

For Buttercream Frosting:

Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the milk (or heavy cream) and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of cake on your serving plate or cake board.
Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
Place the next layer on top and repeat the process, frosting each layer as you go.
Once all layers are stacked, apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in the crumbs) and chill the cake for 20 minutes.
After chilling, apply the final smooth layer of frosting over the cake. Decorate with your choice of garnish (such as cinnamon sticks, candied ginger, or a dusting of powdered sugar).

History and Formation:

Gingerbread has a rich history that stretches back over 2,000 years. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use ginger in their baked goods, but it wasn’t until the medieval period in Europe that gingerbread as we know it today began to take shape. In the 16th century, gingerbread was commonly enjoyed by the wealthy and was even used to form intricate designs for the Christmas holidays. By the 19th century, gingerbread had become popular in the form of cookies and cakes.

The gingerbread layer cake we’re making today combines these old-world flavors with the soft, airy texture of a modern cake. It is believed that layer cakes themselves were a creation of European pastry chefs, but this spiced version emerged in the U.S. as a favorite around the holidays.

Conclusion:

This Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake brings a comforting mix of aromatic spices and deep molasses flavor, with a rich and creamy frosting. Whether you choose the tangy cream cheese frosting or the sweet buttercream, this cake is sure to be a hit at any celebration. Perfect for Christmas or any special occasion, it’s a cake that fills the house with warmth and festive cheer.

Lovers of Gingerbread Cake Will Appreciate:

The perfect balance of sweetness and spice: The molasses and golden syrup bring a deep sweetness, while the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves give the cake its aromatic and warm flavor.
The moist texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and molasses, this cake is incredibly moist, making it a true comfort dessert.
Versatility: You can make this cake for the holidays, birthdays, or any time you’re craving something flavorful and festive.

Methods and Tips for Lovers of Baking:

Make sure to sift your dry ingredients: Sifting your flour, baking powder, and spices ensures even distribution and helps create a light texture in the cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to avoid dense layers.
Use room temperature ingredients: For the best result, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them. This ensures they blend smoothly into the batter and frosting.

Enjoy baking this delectable cake, and happy holidays!