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–+ servings
Slice of Gingerbread Cake with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Gingerbread Cake

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A rich and moist gingerbread cake, perfect for the holidays, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 460
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup granulated sugar for sweetness
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature for smoothness
  • 1 egg lightly beaten for binding
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce adds moisture
  • 1 cup unsulfured molasses for deep flavor
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour for the structure
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda for leavening
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon adds warmth
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger for spice
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cloves adds depth
  • ½ teaspoon salt enhances flavors
  • 1 cup hot water to adjust batter consistency
  • ½ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger optional for added texture and flavor
  • Whipped cream for topping optional
  • Caramel sauce for topping optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan (or use a springform pan).
  2. If using crystallized ginger, toss the chopped ginger with 1 tablespoon of the flour. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, applesauce, and molasses. The mixture may look curdled, but that’s fine. It will come together.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the hot water to smooth out the batter. If using, fold in the crystallized ginger.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
  8. Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or eggnog ice cream, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 379mgPotassium: 691mgFiber: 2gSugar: 52gVitamin A: 392IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This gingerbread cake is perfect for the holidays, offering rich, warm spices. Enjoy with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a scoop of eggnog ice cream!

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