introduction

This cake feels warm and homey. It smells of spice and molasses. You can make it for a family meal or for a small party. If you like sweet spice, try a warm treat like chai spiced sugar cookies too.

why make this recipe

Make this cake when you want a calm, cozy dessert. It looks like a wreath, so it feels like a gift. The cake is soft and spiced. The cream makes it light and bright. For a warm meal idea to go with this cake, see a good hot soup like cozy Italian sausage potato soup.

how to make Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake – A Cozy Holiday Delight!

This cake is easy if you go step by step. Mix the butter and brown sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in molasses and vanilla. Mix the dry parts with the wet parts little by little. Add baking soda near the end. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool. Whip the cream until it holds stiff peaks. Put cream on the cake edge and add the small items for decor. If you like ginger treats, you can also try gingerbread cheesecake cookies.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon sticks
Star anise
Candied ginger slices
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Powdered sugar for dusting

For a nutty or roll-style treat on the side, you might like delicious pecan pie crescent rolls.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch Bundt or ring-shaped pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in molasses and vanilla.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in baking soda.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
Once cooled, pipe whipped cream around the edges with a star-shaped tip. Decorate with cinnamon sticks, star anise, candied ginger, and rosemary. Dust with powdered sugar.

For a small baked treat to serve with coffee, try holiday blueberry scones.

how to serve Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake – A Cozy Holiday Delight!

Serve the cake on a flat plate or a cake stand. Cut one slice at a time so the cake keeps its wreath look. Add a small spoon of extra whipped cream if you like. The cake goes well with hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.

how to store Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake – A Cozy Holiday Delight!

Put the cake in the fridge in a cake box or cover it with plastic wrap. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you leave the whipped cream on, keep the cake in the fridge. You can freeze plain slices without the cream for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before you add fresh cream.

tips to make Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake – A Cozy Holiday Delight!

Measure the flour with a spoon and level it off. Do not pack the flour.
Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature for a smooth batter.
Do not overmix once you add the dry parts. Mix just until you see no flour.
Use a chilled bowl for the cream so it whips easier.
Pipe the cream with a star tip to make a neat look.

variation (if any)

Add chopped nuts to the batter for a crunch.
Swap half the molasses for maple syrup for a mild taste.
Use a cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream for a rich feel.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake without molasses?
A: You can use half molasses and half maple syrup. The taste will change but it will still be good.

Q: Can I use a round pan instead of a Bundt pan?
A: Yes. Bake time may change a little. Check with a toothpick to see if it is done.

Q: How do I keep the cake moist?
A: Do not overbake. Store it wrapped tight or in a cake box in the fridge.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can make the batter and keep it in the fridge for up to one day. Let it warm a bit before baking.

Q: Is this cake very spicy?
A: It has warm spice but it is not very hot. You can cut back on the ginger if you want less spice.

Conclusion

For the full original recipe and more photos, see Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake – A Cozy Holiday Delight!.

Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake – A Cozy Holiday Delight!