Name: Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 cup molasses; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; 1 cup hot water; 1 ½ cup heavy cream (very cold); ½ cup packed brown sugar; Pinch salt; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you are searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that fills your home with warm spices and sweet delight, look no further than this Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe. It’s the perfect treat for sharing with loved ones during any chilly day or festive gathering. This cake is wonderfully moist, gently spiced, and complemented by a luscious whipped cream infused with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows ten clear glass bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the left, there is a large glass measuring cup filled with milk, next to it a small glass bowl with dark vanilla extract, then a white plate sitting a stick of butter, beside it lies one brown egg. Above the egg is a small white bowl holding three different powdered spices in brown, tan, and dark reddish-brown colors. To the right of the egg, there is a small clear bowl containing white powder, followed by a medium glass bowl filled with light brown sugar. A large glass bowl filled with white flour is positioned at the bottom right, and next to it on the far right is a glass measuring cup filled with a dark liquid, likely molasses or coffee. The bowls and plate hold dry and wet baking ingredients, neatly placed in a visually balanced layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s building the tender crumb, adding rich molasses depth, or bringing the signature gingerbread spice profile alive, these basics come together like an orchestra tuning before a beautiful performance.

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Creamy and smooth, this adds moisture and richness to your cake’s crumb.
½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings a natural caramel sweetness and subtle molasses flavor that enhances the gingerbread character.
1 large egg (room temperature): Provides structure and helps bind ingredients for that perfect slice.
1 cup molasses: The soul of gingerbread, imparting deep, dark sweetness and that familiar warm flavor.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together with just the right bite.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the spices to elevate the overall flavor.
1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that gives the cake a tender, light texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to create a perfect rise.
1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that’s iconic in gingerbread.
1 ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a bright, zesty kick essential for that gingerbread zing.
½ teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a rich, aromatic depth that enhances the overall spice blend.
1 cup hot water: Loosens the batter and activates the leavening for soft cake layers.
1 ½ cup heavy cream (very cold): The foundation for fluffy whipped spiced cream that crowns the cake with indulgence.
½ cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream harmoniously, complementing the cake’s flavors.
Pinch salt: Balances the sweetness in the whipped topping.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth to the whipped spiced cream.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures an easy release of your cake after baking and helps keep the edges beautifully moist and uniform.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. This step is vital as it incorporates air, creating a light texture in your finished cake that’s anything but dense.

Step 3: Add Molasses and Egg

Next, introduce the molasses and egg to the buttery sugar mix. Blend everything well, making sure the rich sweetness of molasses is evenly dispersed to enhance that deep gingerbread flavor that makes this recipe so addictive.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices: cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This even distribution of dry ingredients guarantees that each bite is perfectly spiced without clumps of flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to your molasses-butter batter and mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want every slice tender and moist. While the mixer runs on low speed, slowly pour in the hot water, which helps dissolve the spices and activates the leaveners for a perfect rise and soft crumb.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the smooth batter into your lined baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time strikes the perfect balance between soft and firm, allowing the cake to stay tender without being undercooked.

Step 7: Make the Whipped Spiced Cream

While the cake bakes, get started on that dreamy whipped spiced cream. Using a hand mixer on high speed, whip the very cold heavy cream with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until medium to stiff peaks form. This luscious topping will add the perfect creamy counterpoint to your spiced cake.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently removing it. Cut into 16 equal slices. Serve the cake warm—trust me, this elevates every element—with a generous dollop of that heavenly whipped spiced cream, and don’t forget an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a final fragrant touch.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe

A single thick layer of smooth, rich brown batter evenly spread inside a white baking pan lined with white parchment paper. The batter surface shows soft, long swipes and slightly shiny texture, filling the pan almost to the edges. The pan is set against a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe to the next level, think beyond the basic cinnamon dusting. Toasted pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch, while a drizzle of caramel sauce can introduce a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a few crystallized ginger pieces can also add a lovely burst of aroma and texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve alongside a cup of warm chai tea or a robust coffee to complement the warm spices. For a fresh contrast, a simple citrus fruit salad or some poached pears can balance the cake’s richness with bright, juicy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes the experience! For a charming holiday touch, arrange slices on a wooden board lined with evergreen sprigs or holly berries. You could also try stacking cake squares with layers of whipped spiced cream and a drizzle of molasses or honey in between, creating an elegant layered dessert perfect for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe stays moist and delicious when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep the whipped cream fresh and the cake soft. If you want to keep the cream topping at its best, consider storing it separately and adding it right before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without the whipped cream for up to two months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Make fresh whipped spiced cream to dollop on after thawing for that same creamy indulgence.

Reheating

For the best warm serving experience, reheat your cake slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick heat will revive the moist texture and release the inviting aroma of spices, creating the perfect base for your freshly whipped cream topping.

FAQs

Can I make this gingerbread cake vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and substitute molasses-based or coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the whipped topping. It will still deliver those signature flavors and moist texture.

What makes this Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe different from regular gingerbread?

This recipe features a lighter, fluffier cake with a perfectly balanced spice blend, paired with a unique whipped spiced cream topping. It elevates the traditional gingerbread by adding creamy contrast and a fresh vanilla-cinnamon kick.

Can I prepare the whipped spiced cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip the cream and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick re-whip before serving to restore its perfect fluffy texture.

Is it necessary to use hot water in the batter?

Hot water helps dissolve the spices evenly and activates the leavening agents correctly, which results in a tender, well-risen cake. Using cold water might yield a denser texture, so it's best to follow the recipe as is.

Can I use a different size pan?

You can use a similar volume pan, but the baking time may change. A smaller pan will result in a thicker cake that might need longer baking—always check with a toothpick for doneness to avoid over or underbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe truly feels like a slice of warmth and joy on a plate. It’s a wonderful dessert to share with friends and family, filled with comforting spices and topped with a light, fluffy cream that perfectly balances the rich cake. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how simply magical this classic treat can be when made with love and just a few simple ingredients.

Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Spiced Cream Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need