Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel

Name: Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup molasses; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Dessert Recipe Collection

This Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of gingerbread with a rich caramel sauce, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-12T18:37:16.344Z

Indulge in the festive flavors of our Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel. This cake brings together the aromatic spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert. Topped with a luscious caramel sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Warm spices that evoke the holiday spirit
Decadent caramel sauce that enhances the cake's flavor
Perfectly moist texture with a delightful crumb

      

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

There's something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through your home, especially during the holiday season. This Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is not just a dessert; it's an experience that brings warmth and nostalgia. The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves makes this cake ideal for festive gatherings, evoking a sense of comfort and joy that is hard to resist.

As your friends and family gather around the table, the sight of this beautifully frosted cake topped with a luscious caramel sauce will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of your celebration. It's a treat that invites everyone to grab a slice and indulge in its rich flavors. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a special dessert to enjoy at home, this cake will leave a lasting impression.

A Flavorful Experience

The warm spices in this gingerbread cake create a symphony of flavor that dances on your palate. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, enhanced by the decadent caramel sauce that adds an irresistible richness. The cake's moist texture and delightful crumb make it a joy to eat, while the caramel drizzle elevates it to a whole new level of indulgence.

Moreover, the cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, but paired with the caramel sauce, it becomes a showstopper. The contrast between the spiced cake and the smooth, buttery caramel creates a delightful harmony that will keep you coming back for more. This dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Tips for Success

To ensure that your Spiced Gingerbread Cake turns out perfectly, it's important to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the brown sugar; this will help incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

When baking, always keep an eye on the cake as oven temperatures can vary. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven. Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling it with caramel; this will prevent the sauce from sliding off and ensure a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting your baking adventure!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.

In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the molasses and buttermilk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a deep amber color, stirring constantly. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth.

Stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. Slice and serve to enjoy this delightful dessert!

Enjoy your homemade Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel!

Storage Recommendations

After enjoying your Spiced Gingerbread Cake, you may wonder about the best way to store any leftovers. To keep the cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the cake. Slice it into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a piece of this delightful dessert whenever the craving strikes, simply thawing it at room temperature or warming it briefly in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Gingerbread Cake with Caramel is perfect on its own, but if you're looking to elevate your dessert experience, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The whipped cream adds a light, airy texture, while the ice cream offers a creamy contrast against the spiced cake.

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your cake with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce. Freshly grated ginger or a dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance its visual appeal, making it an eye-catching dessert that's sure to impress your guests.

Variations to Try

While the traditional flavors of this Spiced Gingerbread Cake are delightful, you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. For a chocolate twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the batter or folding in chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent experience. You can also enhance the cake's flavor by incorporating finely chopped candied ginger or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or even almond flour for a nutty flavor. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gingerbread cake while incorporating some nutritious elements. However, be mindful of the moisture content, as whole grain flours may require slight adjustments in the liquid ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the caramel sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.

→ What can I serve with the cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!