Gingerbread Layer Cake

Celebrate the festive season with the best Gingerbread Layer Cake! This cake features soft, fluffy layers infused with warm Spécial occasion spices. Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and adorably decorated with mini gingerbread cookies, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes this cake a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses create a delightful taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps to follow, even novice bakers can create this stunning layer cake.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a festive party or a cozy dinner at home, this cake suits any holiday occasion.
• Visually Appealing: The layers, frosting, and cute decorations make it a beautiful centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Creamy Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spiced cake layers for an irresistible taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Gingerbread Layer Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pans (two 9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools ensure thorough mixing of ingredients, resulting in a fluffy cake texture.
• Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps in organizing your ingredients by keeping dry and wet components separate.
• Rubber spatula: This tool is excellent for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 315 g all-purpose flour
• 150 g dark brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 2 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 165 g unsulphured molasses (or dark syrup)
• 360 g sour cream 14-18% (room temperature)
• 110 g vegetable oil (e.g. avocado oil or canola oil)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 300 g butter
• 150 g full-fat cream cheese
• 550 g powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla paste

For Decoration

• Mini Gingerbread Cookies

How to Make Gingerbread Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Whisk until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together molasses, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool down, prepare your frosting by beating butter and cream cheese together in a stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla paste; mix until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake smoothly.

Step 8: Decorate

Finish off by decorating with mini gingerbread cookies around the top edge of the cake for that festive touch!

Now you have your delicious Gingerbread Layer Cake ready to serve! Enjoy every slice during this holiday season!

How to Serve Gingerbread Layer Cake

Gingerbread Layer Cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy during the festive season. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of gingerbread layer cake topped with freshly whipped cream for a light and fluffy contrast.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Pair your cake with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of coffee complement the warm spices in the cake beautifully.

Served with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spices of the gingerbread.

Topped with Fruit Compote

• Drizzle warm fruit compote, like spiced apple or cranberry, over your cake for a fruity twist that enhances the flavors.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts with the soft cake.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Layer Cake

To make your Gingerbread Layer Cake truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier texture.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of flour and sugar to achieve the perfect consistency in your batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough layers.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when done baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool thoroughly before applying frosting. This prevents melting and sliding.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Layer Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Gingerbread Layer Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm cup of spiced apple cider enhances the festive flavors and complements the gingerbread perfectly.
2. Chai Tea
   Enjoy this aromatic drink alongside your cake. The warm spices in chai resonate well with gingerbread’s flavors.
3. Cranberry Sauce
   A tangy cranberry sauce offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making each bite delightful.
4. Pumpkin Soup
   A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup serves as a savory starter that pairs nicely with sweet desserts like gingerbread layer cake.
5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory balance to the sweetness of the cake and makes for an elegant presentation.
6. Roasted Nuts
   Serve mixed roasted nuts for snacking; their crunchiness complements the soft texture of gingerbread layer cake beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Gingerbread Layer Cake can be fun, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold flavoring: Using too little or too much spice can affect the cake. Stick to the specified amounts for balanced warmth.
• Bold ingredient temperature: Cold ingredients can impact the batter’s texture. Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.
• Bold mixing technique: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy cake.
• Bold baking time: Baking for too long will dry out the cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
• Bold frosting consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, it won’t spread well. Adjust with a bit of milk for smoothness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Layer Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Layer Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Gingerbread Layer Cake special?

This cake combines warm spices with rich flavors, creating a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I use different frosting on my Gingerbread Layer Cake?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is delicious, you can experiment with whipped cream or chocolate ganache.

How do I decorate my Gingerbread Layer Cake?

Use mini gingerbread cookies or seasonal decorations like candy canes and sprinkles to add festive flair.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup in baking.

How long does Gingerbread Layer Cake last?

When stored properly, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

The Gingerbread Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. Its soft layers and creamy frosting make it perfect for celebrations. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or spices. Enjoy this versatile cake at your next gathering!