Description
A delightful holiday treat that brings warmth and cheer to any celebration, filled with classic winter spices and topped with a luscious frosting.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses (for frosting)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk (or more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (approximately 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition.
- Gradually add the molasses, mixing until well combined.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients with the hot water and buttermilk, starting and finishing with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate the molasses and cinnamon, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- For an extra festive touch, decorate with sprinkles, candied ginger, or a dusting of cinnamon.
- Slice the cake into squares and serve.
Notes
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a richer experience, serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American