Gingerbread Cake With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting And Caramel Drizzle Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday cake, look no further than this Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel Drizzle. With its rich, spiced flavor, velvety frosting, and indulgent caramel drip, this cake will quickly become the star of your festive celebrations. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just someone looking to impress family and friends, this recipe is approachable, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to any table.

Why This Gingerbread Cake Is Special

This cake stands out because of its perfect combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, paired with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The finishing touch is a rich caramel drizzle that adds just the right amount of sweetness. The gingerbread cake is dense but tender, making each bite feel indulgent yet balanced. The frosting and caramel not only add layers of flavor but also give the cake a professional, bakery-quality finish.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this delicious cake, you’ll need simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and why they matter:

• Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar & Sugar: The combination of sugars enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• Molasses: Adds moisture and a distinctive dark, earthy sweetness, giving the cake its signature gingerbread flavor.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice): These warm spices elevate the cake with a deep, aromatic flavor perfect for the holiday season.
• Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose White Flour: A quality flour ensures the cake holds its structure.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents make the cake light and fluffy.
• Cream Cheese: Provides the tangy base for the frosting, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to just the right level.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to both the frosting and caramel sauce.

this RECIPE

Essential Equipment for Making Gingerbread Cake

Here’s a list of tools you’ll need to ensure everything comes together smoothly:

• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling racks
• Spatula
• Saucepan
• Piping bag (optional for decoration)

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Preheat and Prep the Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures that the cakes release easily once baked.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using an electric mixer. Continue for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the molasses and eggs, and mix until smooth.

3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. These spices give the cake its signature gingerbread flavor, so be generous!

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Add the flour mixture in three additions, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures a tender crumb.

5. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake layers cool, it’s time to whip up the decadent frosting.

1. Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the softened cream cheese and continue mixing until smooth and well incorporated.

2. Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add 4-5 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent the sugar from puffing out of the bowl. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.

3. Add Heavy Cream and Cinnamon

Slowly add in ¼ cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Taste the frosting and adjust the cinnamon to your liking. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more cream until you reach the desired consistency.

Crafting the Caramel Drizzle

For that irresistible caramel drizzle, follow these easy steps:

1. Melt the Caramel Bits

In a small saucepan, combine one 11-ounce bag of caramel bits and ½ cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the caramel bits are fully melted and smooth.

2. Let It Cool Slightly

Remove the caramel from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You want the caramel to be warm but not too hot when applying it to the cake.

Assembling the Gingerbread Cake

1. Frost the Cake Layers

Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or turntable. Spread about 1 cup of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a thin layer of frosting to the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Freeze the cake for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.

2. Final Frosting Layer

After the crumb coat has set, frost the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, starting from the top and working your way down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth out the frosting for a clean finish. Place the cake back in the freezer for another 20 minutes.

3. Caramel Drip

Remove the cake from the freezer. Using a spoon, carefully drizzle the caramel sauce around the edges of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Cover the top with a generous amount of caramel sauce as well. Freeze for 10 minutes to set the caramel.

4. Final Decoration

Use the reserved frosting to pipe designs on top of the caramel layer. You can also garnish with cranberries and cinnamon sticks for a festive presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Gingerbread Cake

• Overmixing the Batter: This can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix only until ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the Crumb Coat: Without it, your cake could have crumbs all over the final layer of frosting.
• Overheating the Caramel: If the caramel gets too hot, it will become too runny and won’t set properly on the cake.

Tips for Serving and Presentation

For a stunning presentation, consider garnishing your gingerbread cake with fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks. The deep red of the cranberries contrasts beautifully with the rich brown and caramel tones of the cake, making it look festive and inviting. You can also dust the cake with powdered sugar to mimic snow, adding a cozy winter touch.

How to Store Leftover Gingerbread Cake

Leftover gingerbread cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, as this will allow the frosting and caramel to soften.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Spice Variations: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the cake batter for an extra spice kick.
• Nuts: For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.

Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely. You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone for a milder flavor.

conclusion

This Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel Drizzle is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Its balance of flavors and stunning presentation make it an unforgettable treat. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delightful recipes like this!

Print