Ina Garten’s Gingerbread Cake is a classic, warmly spiced dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or any cozy occasion. With a tender crumb and a blend of molasses, ginger, and warm spices, this cake delivers deep, rich flavors that pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of icing.

What is Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake?

Ina Garten’s Gingerbread Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with dark molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, and other warm spices. This cake is baked to perfection and is a comforting treat for any time of the year, especially during the holidays.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

Deep and rich flavors: The molasses and spices create a comforting and bold flavor.
Moist and tender texture: The cake has a perfect balance of softness and structure.
Easy to make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients make it approachable.
Perfect for holidays: A festive dessert ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Versatile: Serve it plain, with whipped cream, or with a glaze for added sweetness.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 cup dark molasses
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Whipped cream
Cream cheese frosting

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or a round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add eggs and molasses: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the molasses until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve

Add toppings: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Slice and serve: Cut into squares or slices and enjoy.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast.
Cream cheese frosting: Spread cream cheese frosting over the cake for extra sweetness.
Serve with coffee or tea: A warm beverage pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors.
Add fresh fruit: Serve with berries or orange slices for a refreshing twist.
Top with caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the richness of the cake.

Pro Tips for Making Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices deliver the best flavor.
Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs blend more easily, creating a smoother batter.
Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely: Let the cake cool before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

Add orange zest: Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Include crystallized ginger: Fold in finely chopped crystallized ginger for extra spice and texture.
Top with streusel: Sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping on the batter before baking.
Make cupcakes: Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Glaze it: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze or maple glaze for added sweetness.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

Store at room temperature: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze for future use: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake

Microwave: Heat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Oven: Reheat the whole cake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten Gingerbread Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gingerbread cake a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I keep gingerbread cake moist?

To keep the gingerbread cake moist, avoid overbaking. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to retain moisture. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze before serving also enhances its texture.

Can I substitute molasses in gingerbread cake?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and maple syrup for a similar sweetness and consistency.

What spices work best for gingerbread cake?

The best spices for gingerbread cake include ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You can also add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for additional warmth and complexity.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Gingerbread Cake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any season, especially the holidays. With its warm spices and moist texture, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Serve it with your favorite toppings and share the warmth and flavor of this classic recipe with your loved ones!

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