Description
This Christmas spice cake is a moist, fluffy, and fragrant holiday dessert infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, plus rich molasses. It’s an easy-to-make gingerbread cake perfect for festive gatherings or as a DIY Christmas cake project.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the molasses and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water or coffee. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, but do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or adding your favorite frosting or glaze.
Notes
- Substitute molasses with maple syrup or honey for a lighter flavor.
- To make a gingerbread layer cake, divide batter into two 8-inch pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins, chopped dates, or walnuts for extra texture.
- For a pudding cake, pour hot water or syrup over the batter before baking.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Keywords: Christmas Spice Cake, gingerbread cake, holiday baking, spice cake recipe, easy cake recipe, molasses cake, festive dessert