• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Sweet Occasion

Learn. Bake. Enjoy.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • All Categories
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Custards, Parfaits & Pudding
      • Frostings & Fillings
      • Frozen
      • Pies, Tarts & Crisps
    • Pastry
  • Guides
    • Baking Techniques
    • Baking Tips
    • Ingredient Guides
  • About
  • Contact
Home » Desserts » Cakes & Cupcakes » Gingerbread Layer Cake

Gingerbread Layer Cake

November 1, 2020 By Maria 2 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Gingerbread Layer Cake is a delicious three-layer cake filled and frosted with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting.  It’s the perfect celebration cake to make during the holiday season.

Gingerbread layer cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting on a white cake stand.

During the holiday season, I love the aroma of gingerbread that fills my kitchen.  Traditionally, gingerbread (whether cake, cookies, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, or some other delicious form) is flavored with a combination of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon and has the addition of molasses for that distinct dark color and flavor.  This cake is just that (minus the nutmeg!).  It’s a traditional three-layer gingerbread cake made with a delightful brown sugar cream cheese frosting.

Why this recipe works

  • A festive cake to serve during the holidays.
  • Cake and frosting can be made ahead of time.
  • Made with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
  • The batter can be made into cupcakes.

Before you begin

Take out the following baking equipment.

Digital kitchen scale
Three 6-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper
Medium bowl
3 small bowls
Sifter or whisk
Stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment
Silicone spatula
Wire cooling rack

Allow all your ingredients to come to room temperature.
Read the recipe through from start to finish.

Understanding ingredients

Molasses is a key ingredient in gingerbread.  It adds a dark, rich color to the cake, but more importantly, it adds that distinctive gingerbread flavor that pairs well with the spices.  Use unsulphured molasses, which will yield the best flavor.  Blackstrap molasses has a slightly bitter flavor, which would not be as pleasant in this cake.

Buttermilk adds a lovely tang to the gingerbread cake that complements the other flavors while adding only a minimal amount of fat.  It also helps tenderize the cake as an acidic ingredient and produces a softer texture compared to using milk.

For the frosting, use a full-fat block of cream cheese.  Do not use the tubs of cream cheese as these are processed to be spreadable (they are whipped and have more air in them) and will produce a runny frosting.  The blocks of cream cheese will give you the most stable results.  Bring your cream cheese to room temperature to achieve a creamy frosting that has a smooth consistency.

Gingerbread layer cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting on a white cake stand.

Gingerbread layer cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting on a white cake stand with a slice removed to reveal the three layer.

How to make brown sugar cream cheese frosting

Combine cream cheese and butter.  Begin with room temperature cream cheese and butter.  In a large bowl using a mixer, beat these two ingredients together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes.

Add brown sugar.  To the mixture, add the brown sugar and beat on medium speed until evenly incorporated.

Add powdered sugar.  Stop the mixer and add the powdered sugar.  Mix on low speed until mostly incorporated and then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 3 minutes.

Add vanilla extract.  Pour in the vanilla extract and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds or until incorporated.

Slice of gingerbread layer cake on a plate with cake in the background on a white cake stand.

Can cream cheese frosting be used for piping?

Yes!  This brown sugar cream cheese frosting is thick and great for piping.  However, if your kitchen is too warm, the cream cheese frosting can become soft.  For a quick fix, pop the frosting into the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to cool down.  If you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can add 14 g (2 tablespoons) of powdered sugar at a time until the desired thickness is achieved.

Making gingerbread layer cake ahead of time

For maximum freshness, bake your cake up to 1 day in advance (if not freezing).  Keep the layers in their baking pans, cover tightly, and store at room temperature.

The brown sugar cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead of time, up to 1 week in advance.  Store it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  When ready to use, bring the frosting to room temperature and re-whip for 5 minutes using a mixer.

Overhead shot of gingerbread layer cake with two slices on a plates and the cake on a white cake stand.

Tips and takeaways

  • For the most accurate and consistent results, measure all your ingredients by weight.  Using measuring cups and spoons can vary depending on specific variables, such as using sifted flour vs. unsifted, packing down your ingredients, etc.
  • Even when using nonstick pans, grease, flour, and line with parchment paper.  This will help prevent your cake from sticking, especially in the corners.
  • You can substitute the brown sugar with an additional 120 g (1 cup) of powdered sugar for a traditional cream cheese frosting.

For more layer cakes, try these recipes…

  • Cookie Dough Cake
  • Cookie Butter Cake
  • Apple Cider Cake
  • Blackberry Lemon Cake

Make sure to tag me @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and leave me a review below if you make this Gingerbread Layer Cake. I’d love to see your creations and read your feedback.  And if you would like to make this recipe later, be sure to pin this recipe using the button on any of these images. Let’s make every occasion a sweet occasion!

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon
Gingerbread layer cake with brown sugar cream cheese frosting on a white cake stand.

Gingerbread Cake

  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 6-inch layer cake 1x
  • Category: Cakes
Print
Pin

Description

Gingerbread Layer Cake is a delicious three-layer cake filled and frosted with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting.  It’s the perfect celebration cake to make during the holiday season.


Scale

Ingredients

For the gingerbread cake

  • 350 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 8 g (2 1/2 teaspoons) baking powder
  • 2.8 g (1/2 teaspoon) salt
  • 4 g (2 1/2 teaspoons) ground ginger
  • 4 g (2 1/2 teaspoons) ground cinnamon
  • 2 g (1 teaspoon) ground cloves
  • 170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 165 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 55 g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar
  • 150 g (3 large) eggs, at room temperature
  • 8 g (2 teaspoons) pure vanilla extract
  • 250 g (3/4 cup) molasses
  • 180 g (3/4 cup) buttermilk

For the cream cheese frosting

  • 226 g (8 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 339 g (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 110 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
  • 480 g (4 cups) powdered sugar
  • 8 g (2 teaspoons) pure vanilla extract

Instructions

For the gingerbread cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.  Grease and flour three 6-inch round cake pans.  Line the bottoms with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.  Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and both sugars on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the vanilla until mixed well.  Add the molasses and beat to combine.  With the mixer on low speed and in three parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.  Beat until just combined.
  4. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack before frosting.

For the cream cheese frosting

  1. In a large bowl using the mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the brown sugar and mix to combine.  Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until powdered sugar is mostly incorporated.  Increase to medium-high speed and beat for 3 minutes.  Add vanilla extract and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds.

 


Notes

Make-ahead:  Make cake up to 1 day in advance.  Keep in the baking pans, cover tightly, and store at room temperature.  Cream cheese frosting can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  When ready to use, bring the frosting to room temperature and re-whip for 5 minutes using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Freezing:  Freeze cake layers frosted or unfrosted for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.  Cream cheese frosting can also be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature, and re-whip for 5 minutes using a mixer.

Cupcakes: To make cupcakes, fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 20-22 minutes.

Keywords: cream cheese frosting, layer cake, holiday cake, gingerbread

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and hashtag it #thesweetoccasion

Filed Under: Cakes & Cupcakes

Previous Post: « Maple Crème Brûlée
Next Post: Edible Candy Chocolate Cookie Dough »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sana

    November 22, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    What if I wanted to make just a one layer cake, is there any changes in oven setting and cooking time? Thanks much! Sana

    Reply
    • Maria

      November 23, 2020 at 1:40 am

      Hello Sana! You can bake this batter in a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch baking pan. It will be shorter than one of the 6-inch layers but will still work! Keep the oven setting the same and I would begin to check for doneness around 25 minutes.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef at your fingertips. I provide the baking knowledge and tools for bakers like you to successfully create in your kitchen. Read More…

What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit desserts?  I was excited to make this simple tart using @starrrachgrowers apples, basic pastry dough, and a sprinkling of sugar and butter.  These @juici_apple apples give a beautiful hue of red and have the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.  What's your favorite holiday apple recipe?  #EatBakeLove⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#StarrRanchGrowers #JUICIOfficial #thesweetoccasion #apples #applebaking #appletart #holidaybaking #tart #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #piedough
New Peppermint Cake up on the blog! This three-la New Peppermint Cake up on the blog!  This three-layer white cake is flavored with peppermint and frosted with a white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream.  Add crushed candy canes for an extra fun holiday cake!  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip: To check for cake doneness, use the bounce-back test.  Gently press down on the cake.  If an indentation is left in the cake, then it needs more time.  If it bounces back, then it's fully baked.  You will also notice that the sides of the cake begin to pull away from the pan.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#peppermint #cake #whitechocolate #thesweetoccasion #cakesofinstagram #christmascake #layercake #cakelover #bakegram #madefromscratch #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #christmascakes #holidaycake #bakingblog #bakingtips #swissmeringuebuttercream #christmasdessert #christmascakedecorating⁠
Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee love Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee lover.  Made with a delicious coffee-flavored batter that’s baked to perfection and topped with a light and airy coffee buttercream.  They’re easy-to-make using staple pantry ingredients with the exception of espresso powder that is easily found at your local supermarket.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Use a cookie scoop to easily fill your cupcake liners.  Only fill 2/3 full to prevent the cupcakes from spilling or sinking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coffeelover #cupcakes #thesweetoccasion #delalloeats #coffeedaily #cupcakesofinstagram #coffeecupcakes #buttercream #coffeebuttercream #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #sweets #bakingtips #cupcakestagram #bakersofinstagram #cupcakesdaily #cupcakesfordays #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove
Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's per Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's perfect for holiday baking.  It can be used for filling pastries like croissants, topping sliced brioche and baking until golden brown, or filling an unbaked tart shell, adding fruit, and baking until set.  Almond cream will become your best friend when creating impressive desserts for your family and friends.  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  If you'd like to make this cream with another nut flour, substitute half of the almond flour with your choice of nut flour.  You will still benefit from using almond flour while also using a stronger flavored nut.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#frangipane #almondcream #almond #filling #thesweetoccasion #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #bakingtips #frenchpastry #frenchdesserts #pastrychef #tartfilling
⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season? ⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season?  Try this creamy Coconut Cheesecake made with @naturesgreatestfoods organic coconut cream.  It's a decadent and delicious dessert made with a coconut graham cracker crust.  For extra flavor and texture, top this cheesecake with toasted coconut.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not overmix your filling, as overmixing can cause your cheesecake to crack.  Only mix until all the ingredients are just combined.  Use the paddle attachment to mix your ingredients on medium-low speed to avoid beating too much air into your filling.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconut #coconutcheesecake #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #lifeofabaker #coconutcream #cheesecakes #coconutcake #toastedcoconut #grahamcracker #grahamcrackercrust #sweets #foodgram #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #cheesecakelove #cheesecakelovers⁠
The holidays are a time for lots of baking. Add c The holidays are a time for lots of baking.  Add carrot bundt cake to your list.  It's filled with a layer of cream cheese and topped with a cream cheese frosting for a delicious spiced cake that's a real crowd-pleaser.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not use store-bought shredded carrots, as it will affect your cake's moisture content.  They are very dry and lack sweetness compared to shredding your own carrots. ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#carrotcake #creamcheesefrosting #bakedfromscratch #lifeofabaker #bakefeed #instayummy #delish #thebakefeed #holidaybaking #holidaycake #thesweetoccasion #fromscratch #easyrecipe #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakingtips #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #scratchbaking #bakingblog #carrotbundtcake
⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favori ⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favorite.  They’re made with molasses and filled with a brown sugar spiced filling for a gooey and delicious winter-inspired roll.  As if these soft and fluffy rolls aren't enough, they're topped with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting for a real treat.⁠ Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
⁠✨Pastry pro tip:⁠ To reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave, place a microwave-safe cup containing water in the microwave and heat thoroughly.  Add the cinnamon rolls next to the water and heat.  The steam from the hot water will prevent the rolls from becoming too dry or too soggy.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#gingerbread #cinnamonrolls #holidaybaking ##breakfastideas #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #scratchbaking #bakinggoals #christmasbreakfast #holidaybreakfast #creamcheesefrosting #bakefeed #foodgram #thefeedfeed #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #lifeofabaker #scratchbaking #ilovebaking #sweets #bakinglove⁠
Holiday baking can get overwhelming. To help ⁠e Holiday baking can get overwhelming.  To help ⁠ease the stress, head on over to the blog for my tips on how to freeze cookie dough.  It's convenient to do, perfect for gifting, and allows you to get ahead for all your cookie baking.⁠ Grab these tips from the link in my profile.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  For cookies that call for rolling in sugar, such as snickerdoodle cookies, prepare the dough as directed without rolling in the sugar and add it just before baking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#cookiedough #cookiesofinstagram #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #bakingtechniques #bakinglove #madefromstratch #giftgiving #cookiegifts #bakingfromscratch #bakingcookies #freezingcookies #housewarmingcookies
⁠Dessert or breakfast? Coconut rice pudding can ⁠Dessert or breakfast?  Coconut rice pudding can certainly be either.  It's a simple-one pot pudding that is creamy and perfectly tender without being mushy.  Add a bit of granola and you have a simple yet flavorful breakfast ready in no time.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  When making this coconut rice pudding, do not rinse the rice.  The starchiness is key to creating a creamy and thick mixture.⁠
⁠
Recipe link in bio!⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconutrice #ricepudding #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakedfromscratch #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #pudding #instapudding #lifeofabaker #foodgram #bakegram #onepot #lovetobake #onepot
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Latest Posts

  • Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
  • Peppermint Cake
  • Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
  • Zucchini Puff Pastry Tarts
  • Birthday Cake Cookies

Archives

Footer

Follow Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef, wife, and a mom to two. Sharing my recipes, tips & techniques so that any occasion can be a sweet occasion. Read More…

  • Privacy Policy

The Latest Recipes!

Stack of brown butter cookies with toffee bits on a French wire cooling rack with milk in the backgroud.
Peppermint flavored cake with white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream on a marble round board.
Pan with frosted gingerbread flavored cinnamon rolls in a baking pan with some cinnamon rolls.

Copyright © 2021 · thesweetoccasion.com