Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel

Name: Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon 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; 1/2 cup molasses; 2 large eggs; 1 cup hot water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is a delightful treat that combines warm spices and a rich caramel sauce, perfect for any festive occasion.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:24:50.295Z

This Spiced Gingerbread Cake is not only delicious but also brings the warmth of the holiday season to your home. Topped with a luscious caramel sauce, it is a showstopper dessert that will impress your family and friends.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect blend of spices that warms the heart
Decadent caramel sauce that adds a luxurious touch
Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert

      

The Perfect Blend of Spices

The foundation of this Spiced Gingerbread Cake lies in the careful selection of spices that provide depth and warmth. Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves work harmoniously to evoke memories of festive celebrations and cozy evenings by the fireplace. Each bite of this cake is infused with the essence of the season, making it an irresistible choice for holiday gatherings or a comforting dessert any time of year.

This cake not only delivers on flavor but also on aroma. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the sweet and spicy scents of ginger and cinnamon, creating an inviting atmosphere that will have everyone eagerly awaiting the first slice. The fragrance alone is enough to transport you to a winter wonderland, where every moment is filled with warmth and joy.

Decadent Caramel Sauce

The caramel sauce elevates this gingerbread cake to a whole new level of indulgence. Made from just a few simple ingredients—granulated sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla—it transforms into a luxurious topping that perfectly complements the rich spices of the cake. The process of making caramel can seem intimidating, but with a little patience and attention, you can create a silky sauce that adds a touch of elegance to your dessert.

Drizzling the warm caramel over the spiced cake creates a beautiful contrast in both flavor and texture. The sweetness of the caramel beautifully balances the spiciness of the gingerbread, while its glossy finish adds a stunning visual appeal. Whether served at a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this cake with caramel sauce is sure to impress and delight your guests.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is versatile enough to shine at any event. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or simply treating yourself to a delightful dessert, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors and inviting appearance make it an ideal centerpiece for your dessert table, and it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Additionally, this cake can be easily adapted for various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also experiment with different spices to personalize the flavor profile to your liking. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this cake is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon 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
1/2 cup molasses
2 large eggs
1 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

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Molasses and Eggs

Mix in the molasses and eggs until well combined.

Combine and Add Water

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water. Mix until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar and cook over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Add butter, then cream, and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.

Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Storage Tips

To keep your Spiced Gingerbread Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to three days while retaining its moisture and flavor. For longer storage, consider wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to a week.

If you want to prepare the cake ahead of time, you can also freeze it. Once cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat it if desired before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Gingerbread Cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance its presentation and flavor profile with some creative serving suggestions. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to create a luscious contrast. Freshly grated ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also add a beautiful finishing touch.

For an extra festive touch, garnish the cake with chopped nuts or candied ginger. This not only adds texture but also visual appeal, making your dessert look as good as it tastes. Serving it with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa will further enhance the cozy experience, perfect for chilly evenings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and add the caramel sauce before serving.

→ What can I substitute for molasses?

You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if you want it to last longer.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the caramel sauce. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.