Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is a delightful treat that combines warm spices with a luscious caramel glaze, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of our Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel. This cake is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, warm spices that evoke the feeling of the holidays
- Irresistibly moist texture with a sweet caramel drizzle
- A stunning centerpiece for any dessert table
The Perfect Holiday Dessert
When the holidays roll around, the scent of warm spices and sweet treats fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. This Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel captures that essence perfectly. The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg not only warms the palate but also brings back joyful memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. It's a cake that feels like a warm hug, making it an ideal dessert for any holiday occasion.
The moist texture of this cake, combined with the rich caramel glaze, elevates it to a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful balance of spice and sweetness, making it irresistible to everyone at the table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive party, this gingerbread cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Spiced Gingerbread Cake turns out perfectly, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Using the spoon-and-level method for flour prevents the cake from becoming dense. Additionally, be sure to cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, as this helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and moist cake.
Another helpful tip is to use hot water when mixing the batter. This not only helps to dissolve the molasses but also activates the baking soda, giving the cake a nice rise. Lastly, let the cake cool completely before adding the caramel sauce. This prevents the glaze from sliding off and allows the cake to absorb some of the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Spiced Gingerbread Cake is stunning on its own, but you can enhance its presentation with a few simple garnishes. Consider topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Freshly grated nutmeg or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance and beauty to your dessert.
For a more festive flair, consider serving the cake alongside a warm spiced apple compote or a side of roasted pears. These additions not only complement the flavors of the gingerbread but also provide a beautiful color contrast on your dessert table, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup hot water
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Steps to Prepare
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses and eggs until well combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, and mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns amber. Add the butter, stirring until melted, then slowly whisk in the cream and vanilla until smooth.
Serve
Allow the cake to cool, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Spiced Gingerbread Cake!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're planning to bake the Spiced Gingerbread Cake in advance, it stores wonderfully. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Slice it and wrap individual pieces in plastic before placing them in an airtight container. This allows you to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes.
When ready to serve, simply thaw the cake at room temperature for a few hours. If desired, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat. Drizzle freshly made caramel sauce over the top just before serving for that extra touch of decadence.
Variations to Try
While the traditional recipe for Spiced Gingerbread Cake is a classic favorite, there are several variations you can try to suit your taste. Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a delightful contrast to the spices, creating a rich and decadent twist.
For a more tropical flair, try incorporating crushed pineapple or coconut into the batter. This not only adds moisture but also introduces a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake. Experimenting with these variations can make this gingerbread cake a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
→ How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and add the caramel sauce just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for molasses?
You can use honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly.
Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel
This Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is a delightful treat that combines warm spices with a luscious caramel glaze, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup hot water
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses and eggs until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns amber. Add the butter, stirring until melted, then slowly whisk in the cream and vanilla until smooth.
Allow the cake to cool, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g