Moist and Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake

Capture the holiday spirit with this stunning Moist and Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake. Perfect for festive gatherings, this cake’s rich, spiced layers, frosted with creamy goodness, promise to be the highlight of your holiday dessert table. Adorned with charming gingerbread men, this dessert brings warmth and cheer to any celebration.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 3/4 cups (340g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed

• 3/4 cup (180ml) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup (180ml) molasses

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

For the Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream

For Decoration:

• Mini gingerbread men cookies

• A dusting of powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses until fully incorporated.

4. Add Eggs and Milk: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually mix in the milk.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare Frosting: Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy.

9. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the outside of the cake for a smooth finish.

10. Decorate: Top the cake with mini gingerbread men cookies and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.