Have you ever craved something warm, sweet, and just a little bit nostalgic? Something that wraps you in a cozy hug with every bite? If your answer is yes (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), then this Easy Gingerbread Cake is about to become your go-to snacking cake. Perfect for eating at home, it’s one of those easy-to-make snacks that feels like a big win without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into why this gingerbread recipe deserves a spot on your baking list—and maybe even your heart.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Gingerbread Snacking Cake
Imagine biting into a fluffy square of gingerbread goodness topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Now imagine pairing it with your favorite hot beverage—a steaming mug of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Sounds dreamy, right?
Here’s what makes this gingerbread cake so irresistible:
- Nostalgia in Every Bite: There’s something magical about gingerbread during the holiday season—or any time of year, really. It brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, and festive cheer.
- No Fancy Decorating Required: Unlike some desserts that demand piping bags and artistic flair, this snacking cake keeps things simple. Just bake, cool, and sprinkle with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Done!
- Flavor That Gets Better Over Time: The spices in this cake deepen as it sits. Bake it a day ahead, and you’ll be rewarded with an even richer taste. Talk about low-effort brilliance!
What You Need to Make This Easy Gingerbread Cake
This isn’t one of those recipes where you need to raid specialty stores for exotic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour
- Water
- Eggs
- Baking soda
- Ground ginger
- Cinnamon
- Molasses
- Golden syrup (or honey, if golden syrup isn’t available)
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
Golden syrup might sound fancy, but don’t worry—it’s worth seeking out. Think of it as the secret ingredient that adds a subtle butterscotch-like sweetness. You can find it online or at places like World Market if your local grocery store doesn’t have one.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted before measuring)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup molasses
- ⅓ cup golden syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
How to Make This Gingerbread Recipe Shine
Making this cake is almost as easy as enjoying it. Follow these steps:
- Prep Your Pan: Start by spraying a 9” x 9” baking pan with nonstick spray and lining it with parchment paper. This trick makes removing the cake later a breeze.
- Mix It Up: Combine your dry ingredients—flour, ginger, and cinnamon—in one bowl. In another, cream together butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Add molasses, golden syrup, and eggs, mixing until smooth. Then alternate adding the dry ingredients and a boiling water-baking soda mixture until everything comes together.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly in the pan and pop it in the oven at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch—or skip it entirely if you prefer simplicity.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Stress About Thin Batter: Yes, the batter may seem runny, but trust the process! It bakes into a beautifully moist and fluffy cake.
- Choose Your Molasses Wisely: Opt for light or “original” unsulphured molasses. Too strong, and your cake could end up tasting bitter instead of sweet and spicy.
- Top It Off Creatively: While powdered sugar works wonders, feel free to get creative. Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce all pair beautifully with this cake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Recipes
What spices are used in gingerbread?
Traditional gingerbread often includes ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, mace, and allspice. For this recipe, we stick to ginger and cinnamon for simplicity, but you can experiment with small amounts of other spices if you’re feeling adventurous.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A sinking cake usually means trouble with your oven temperature or pan size. An oven that’s too hot can cause the cake to rise too quickly and collapse as it cools, while an oven that’s too cool won’t allow the cake to rise properly.
Why dissolve the baking soda in boiling water?
This step activates the baking soda, promoting a slower rise and creating a denser crumb. Plus, it helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the batter.
Final Thoughts: Why Not Bake Happiness?
There’s something special about sharing homemade treats, whether it’s with loved ones or just yourself. This easy gingerbread cake is proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let the aroma of warm spices fill your kitchen.
Ready to give it a try? Pin this recipe for later, share it with friends, or leave a comment below telling us how it turned out. And hey, while you’re at it, why not explore more tasty ideas on our site? After all, life’s too short not to indulge in a little sweetness now and then.
Gingerbread Snacking Cake: Easy, Spiced, and Perfect for Cozy Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour sifted before measuring
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup molasses
- ⅓ cup golden syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Start by spraying a 9” x 9” baking pan with nonstick spray and lining it with parchment paper. This trick makes removing the cake later a breeze.
- Mix It Up: Combine your dry ingredients—flour, ginger, and cinnamon—in one bowl. In another, cream together butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Add molasses, golden syrup, and eggs, mixing until smooth. Then alternate adding the dry ingredients and a boiling water-baking soda mixture until everything comes together.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly in the pan and pop it in the oven at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch—or skip it entirely if you prefer simplicity.
Notes
- The batter may seem thin or runny, but this is normal—it bakes into a light, moist cake.
- For best flavor, bake 1-2 days ahead; the spices deepen over time.
- Use light or “original” unsulphured molasses to avoid bitterness.
- Wrap well for storage or shipping, and include powdered sugar in a separate bag if mailing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Buttermilk Cinnamon Muffins
- Pineapple Upside Cake
- Honey Roasted Peanut Cookies
- Chocolate-Covered Graham Crackers
- Cinnamon Hard Candy
Tried This Recipe?
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