Name: Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅔ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup honey; ⅓ cup molasses; ½ cup milk of choice; 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 131 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, warmly-spiced treat that feels like a hug on a plate, this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances the deep, aromatic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just because, this cake’s tender crumb and silky frosting will win hearts and keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four small glass jars lying on a white marbled surface, each with a small pile of ground spice spilled near the jar's opening; from left to right, there is a pale beige ginger powder with a fine texture, a medium brown nutmeg powder with a slightly coarser texture, a dark brown ground clove powder with a fine and dense appearance, and an orange-brown cinnamon powder with a fine texture. On the right side, there is a close-up of a bowl with several layers of different dry spices piled together in the center, forming a mixed heap of colors including white, light brown, reddish-brown, and dark brown powders on a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is a beautiful example of how simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients create a rich, flavorful cake with a velvety frosting. Each element adds its own magic, from the warmth of the spices to the creamy sweetness of the frosting, ensuring every bite is a delight.

1 ⅔ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour: Provides the base with a slight nuttiness and wholesome texture.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps your cake rise beautifully, making it light and tender.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that’s essential for that classic gingerbread flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Delivers the signature zing you crave in every bite.
½ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes in the cake.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a subtle depth with its aromatic, slightly peppery kick.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds mellow warmth and complexity.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to give lift and lightness.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
⅓ cup honey: Natural sweetness that also keeps the cake moist.
⅓ cup molasses: Provides rich, caramel-like depth and that unmistakable gingerbread color.
½ cup milk of choice: Keeps the batter smooth and tender; dairy or plant-based works great.
6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted: Brings lovely richness and a tender crumb.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature: The star of the frosting for creamy tang and silky texture.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Adds body and smoothness to the frosting.
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with subtle sweetness and depth.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9-inch square pan to ensure your cake will come out cleanly once baked. This step sets the stage perfectly for a well-baked, non-stick cake that’s easy to slice.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and baking soda. Whisking the spices thoroughly into the flour ensures even distribution so every bite bursts with that gorgeous gingerbread flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the egg. Then add the honey and molasses, whisking until smooth and glossy. Follow with the milk and melted butter, mixing until fully incorporated. This wet mixture holds the key to the cake’s moist, tender crumb and that unforgettable deep color.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and fluffy. Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 21 to 25 minutes until the cake turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing gives you a moist crumb without drying out the delicate spices.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove the cake from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Let it cool fully before frosting so your cream cheese frosting stays smooth and luscious without melting into the cake.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring gently to incorporate before whipping again until light and airy. This frosting is the crowning glory that contrasts beautifully with the spiced cake.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled gingerbread cake. For an extra touch, you can sift a little cinnamon on top. Slice the cake into generous squares, and enjoy the mountains of flavor packed into every bite.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Three white plates rest on a white marbled surface, each holding a square piece of cake with two layers. The bottom layer is a light brown cake, soft and moist, while the top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting sprinkled with a fine dusting of brown spice. Each cake piece has a vintage silver fork beside it, and the frosting shows gentle, uneven swirls giving a textured look. The light softly highlights the creamy frosting and the matte texture of the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Your gingerbread cake already sings with flavor, but a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted nuts on top can add a lovely texture and visual appeal. Fresh cranberries or candied ginger pieces also make beautiful, festive decorations, especially during holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like cinnamon-spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a cozy cup of hot chocolate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side complements the spice and cream cheese frosting perfectly, elevating your dessert to an indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the cake into small bite-sized squares for a party platter, or stack squares with frosting in between to create mini layered treats. You can also use cookie cutters to make festive shapes for special occasions. Serving with a light dusting of powdered sugar makes the presentation irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist and the frosting maintains its creamy texture for up to four days, making it a perfect treat that keeps on giving.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Frost separately for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled with the cream cheese frosting, reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer your cake a little warmer, remove the frosting before gently warming the cake in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds and add the frosting again after warming.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour will give you a lighter texture, but whole wheat flour adds a lovely nuttiness and heartiness that pairs beautifully with the spices in this cake. Feel free to try either depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. For the butter and cream cheese, look for dairy-free alternatives specifically made for baking and frosting to ensure the best consistency and flavor.

Why does the cake need to cool completely before frosting?

Cooling the cake completely prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and becoming runny. It also helps the frosting set properly, giving you those beautiful, clean frosting edges we all love.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger pan or two pans of the same size. Adjust the baking time slightly—start checking doneness around the original baking time, and then add a few minutes as needed.

How long will this cake last without refrigeration?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated and consume it within four days. Leaving it out for long periods can risk spoilage, especially in warm climates.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough if you’re searching for a dessert that feels both homemade and special. The balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy is just unbeatable, making it an instant favorite for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to cake for all seasons!