Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe – Perfect for the Holidays

his easy gingerbread cake recipe combines simple ingredients like flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger to create a moist, flavorful treat. Perfect for the holiday season or any cozy occasion, this cake is easy to make and can be customized with optional decorations like powdered sugar or whipped cream. With a rich, spiced flavor and a soft texture, it’s the perfect dessert to pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy it fresh, or store it for up to three days to savor throughout the week.

Ingredients: (Gingerbread Cake)

• Flour – 2 cups (250g)
• Brown sugar – 3/4 cup (150g)
• Ground ginger – 1 tablespoon
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
• Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (115g), at room temperature
• Eggs – 2
• Honey – 1/4 cup (60ml)
• Milk – 1/2 cup (120ml)
• Vegetable oil – 1/4 cup (60ml)
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Warm water – 1/2 cup (120ml)
• Powdered sugar – for dusting (optional)

Equipment:

• A large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• A round or rectangular baking pan
• Parchment paper or oil for greasing the pan
• Measuring spoons and kitchen scale

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the pan:(Gingerbread Cake)
   Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking pan with a bit of butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the spices throughout the cake batter.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:(Gingerbread Cake)
   In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer (or hand whisk) until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Add the wet ingredients:
   To the butter and sugar mixture, add the honey, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is combined into a smooth, uniform batter.
5. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Start by adding small portions of the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Keep folding in the dry ingredients until the batter is fully mixed and smooth.
6. Add warm water:(Gingerbread Cake)
   Once the dry ingredients are well incorporated, pour in the warm water. This helps to thin the batter slightly, making it easier to pour into the pan. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
7. Pour the batter into the pan:
   Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to level the top, ensuring the batter is evenly distributed.
8. Bake the cake:(Gingerbread Cake)
   Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using a larger or smaller pan, the baking time may vary slightly, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
9. Let the cake cool:
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for at least an hour before slicing.
10. Optional decoration:
    You can dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple decoration. If you want to take it a step further, drizzle some chocolate sauce or add a dollop of whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, scatter some dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates for added flavor and texture.

Additional Tips:(Gingerbread Cake)

• Storage: To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Add-ins: Want a bit more texture? Try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the batter before baking for a crunchy twist.
• Decorating Ideas: If you’re feeling creative, you can melt some white or milk chocolate and pour it into molds to create fun designs for topping the cake.