Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm and inviting flavors of this Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:24:16.545Z

This Spiced Gingerbread Cake is a delightful blend of warm spices and rich flavors, topped with a luscious caramel sauce. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with warmth
  • Decadent caramel sauce that adds a luxurious touch
  • Moist and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that embodies the spirit of the holidays. The rich, warm spices evoke memories of cozy gatherings and festive cheer. This cake not only looks beautiful on the table but also fills the air with its inviting aroma, making it an ideal treat for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for something special.

The combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in this cake creates a delightful flavor profile that dances on your palate. Each bite is a perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, enhanced by the luxurious caramel sauce that drapes over the top, making it an irresistible choice for dessert lovers.

A Simple Yet Elegant Recipe

This Spiced Gingerbread Cake is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests. The straightforward steps ensure that you spend more time enjoying the festive atmosphere and less time in the kitchen.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can serve it warm, straight from the oven, or allow it to cool and enjoy it later. Either way, the cake remains incredibly moist and flavorful, ensuring that every slice is a delightful experience.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to the batter. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the cake, making it uniquely yours.

For an extra festive touch, consider serving the cake with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm caramel sauce. This combination elevates the dessert experience and adds a delightful contrast to the spiced cake.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1/2 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

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in molasses and hot water. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns into a golden brown caramel. Stir in butter until melted, then slowly add heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then remove from heat.

Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle with warm caramel sauce before slicing. Enjoy your deliciously spiced gingerbread cake!

Storing and Serving Tips

To keep your Spiced Gingerbread Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature and warm it slightly before drizzling with caramel sauce.

When serving, cut the cake into generous slices to showcase its beautiful texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a touch of elegance to your presentation, making it visually appealing for your guests.

Pairing Suggestions

This delightful gingerbread cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate to complement the cake's flavors. If you prefer a cocktail, a classic mulled wine can enhance the holiday spirit.

For those who enjoy tea, consider pairing the cake with a robust black tea or a soothing chai tea. The spices in the tea will harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the cake, creating a delightful tasting experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the gingerbread cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

→ What spices can I adjust in this recipe?

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more ginger for extra spiciness or reduce cinnamon for a milder flavor.

Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel

Indulge in the warm and inviting flavors of this Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Gingerbread Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  3. 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  9. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  10. 2 large eggs
  11. 1 cup molasses
  12. 1/2 cup hot water

For the Caramel Sauce

  1. 1 cup granulated sugar
  2. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in molasses and hot water. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 02

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 03

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns into a golden brown caramel. Stir in butter until melted, then slowly add heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle with warm caramel sauce before slicing. Enjoy your deliciously spiced gingerbread cake!

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