If you are looking for a showstopper dessert that wraps you in the warm, cozy flavors of the holidays, this Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture moist, spicy gingerbread layers stacked high and smothered in dreamy cream cheese frosting, with just the right hint of cinnamon and nutmeg to brighten every bite. This cake is perfect whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply craving a sweet treat that tastes like a hug from your favorite winter memories. Trust me, once you try this Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a holiday staple you reach for year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the rich molasses creating depth of flavor to the mix of warming spices that define the character of the cake. Simple pantry staples come together beautifully in this recipe to deliver a moist, flavorful experience.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup + 3/4 cup, room temperature): Provides creamy richness to both the cake and frosting, keeping everything moist and smooth.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness with a slight caramel note that complements the molasses perfectly.
- Molasses (3/4 cup): The soul of the gingerbread, giving deep, robust flavor and that signature dark color.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and lifts the spices in the cake and frosting alike.
- Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Bind everything together and ensure a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Creates the structure for the layers, balancing lightness with density.
- Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise evenly, resulting in fluffy layers.
- Ground ginger (3 tsp): The star spice that gives that signature gingery warmth.
- Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle, smoky depth without overpowering.
- Cinnamon (3 tsp + 3/4 tsp): Brings a sweet, familiar spice to both cake and frosting.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): Keeps the batter silky and ensures a tender crumb.
- Water (1/4 cup): Adds moisture gently, making the cake perfect for layering.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, room temperature): The star of the frosting—creamy, tangy, and luscious.
- Powdered sugar (10 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Nutmeg (pinch): Gives a subtle, warm background note to the frosting.
- Small gingerbread men and rosemary (for garnish): Charming and festive touches to bring your cake to life.
How to Make Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for the rich scent of gingerbread. Prep three 8-inch cake pans by spraying them generously with baking spray to ensure your layers pop right out after baking. Don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment paper circles—this little step makes a big difference in keeping your layers intact and flawless.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature unsalted butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for your cake by incorporating air, giving your layers a wonderful texture. Once combined, mix in the molasses and vanilla extract, which add moistness and deep flavor that hugs every bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps build structure for the cake’s crumb and keeps the batter smooth and silky. Making sure your eggs are at room temperature prevents the batter from curdling and keeps everything consistent.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. These spices are what truly make this cake special, blending in subtle layers of warmth in every bite. Sifting these together ensures even distribution and prevents clumps, setting you up for a perfectly spiced cake.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with whole milk and water, starting and ending with the dry. This method keeps the batter smooth and allows the cake layers to rise evenly and tenderly. Be gentle with your mixing to avoid overworking the batter, which can make cakes dense.
Step 6: Bake the Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool fully before frosting. Patience here means your frosting won’t melt or slide off.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, whip up your cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, then mix in vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. This frosting is luscious, tangy, and perfectly spiced to complement the rich gingerbread layers.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once your cake layers are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer, then stack the second cake on top. Repeat the frosting between all layers, and finally cover the entire cake with a thick coat of frosting, making sure the sides are smooth and even. This is where your cake truly comes to life.
How to Serve Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe as festive as it is delicious, top with tiny gingerbread men for a playful touch and sprigs of fresh rosemary to add a fresh aroma alongside the spices. These garnishes not only amp up visual appeal but also invite guesses and smiles from everyone at the table.
Side Dishes
This cake shines bright on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can elevate the experience to new heights. Warm mulled cider or a cup of spiced chai tea complements the gingerbread flavors beautifully and makes for a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special presentation, serve your Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by scattered cinnamon sticks, star anise, and some nuts or dried fruit. Alternatively, slice it neatly and serve individual layers with drizzles of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a whimsical, party-ready touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to preserve freshness and moisture. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, by which time those spicy notes have luxuriously melded together even more.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe in the future, freeze the fully frosted cake or individual layers wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil. It freezes well for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
The best way to enjoy this cake is at room temperature, so allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes after refrigeration before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the frosting’s texture. If you want it slightly warm, a brief few seconds under a low toaster oven setting works wonders without melting the frosting completely.
FAQs
Can I make this Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder. Your cake layers might have a slightly different texture but will still be just as flavorful and moist.
How spicy is this Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe?
This cake strikes a perfect balance—warm and fragrant with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, but it’s not overwhelming. If you prefer more spice, you can boost the ginger or add a touch more cloves to amplify the cozy flavors.
Can I use a different frosting?
While the cream cheese frosting is the classic match, you can experiment with whipped buttercream or even a maple glaze depending on your taste. Just keep in mind that cream cheese frosting pairs best with the richness and spices of the gingerbread layers.
Is this cake suitable for a large party?
Definitely! The Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it ideal for holiday gatherings. To serve larger crowds, you can easily double the recipe and bake in multiple pans or bigger cake pans, adjusting the baking time slightly.
How can I ensure my cake layers bake evenly?
Make sure to properly prepare your pans with baking spray and parchment, and divide the batter as evenly as possible between the pans. Rotate pans halfway through baking if your oven tends to heat unevenly. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently to prevent temperature drops.
Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season or simply indulge in a slice of warmth and comfort. From the moist, spicy cake layers to the creamy, tangy frosting and festive garnishes, every element sings holiday cheer. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Gingerbread Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Gingerbread Layer Cake is a festive and flavorful dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring spiced gingerbread cake layers layered with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it combines warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with rich molasses. Decorated with charming gingerbread men and sprigs of rosemary, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 10 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Decoration:
- Small gingerbread men cookies
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the cake layers.
- Prepare Cake Pans: Spray three 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray to prevent sticking. Then, cut parchment paper circles to fit the bottoms of the pans and place them inside for easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk and water mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean.
- Cool Cake Layers: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen, invert onto wire racks, remove the parchment paper, and let them cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and 3/4 cup unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until fully combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, then frost the entire outside of the cake evenly.
- Decorate: Garnish the cake with small gingerbread men cookies and fresh rosemary sprigs to add a festive touch.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
- For best results, sift the powdered sugar before adding to the frosting to avoid lumps.
- You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and wrap tightly to keep fresh.
- If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the ground ginger and cinnamon by 1/2 teaspoon each.
- The frosting is quite sweet and rich; adjust the powdered sugar quantity to your taste if desired.
- Use fresh rosemary sprigs right before serving to keep them vibrant and aromatic.
