Gingerbread Cake Cook's Illustrated

Warm, spiced, and irresistibly moist, the Gingerbread Cake from Cook's Illustrated is the ultimate cozy dessert for the holiday season or any time you crave a comforting treat. This recipe perfectly balances rich molasses, aromatic ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, delivering deep, complex flavors that encapsulate the essence of classic gingerbread. The tender crumb is achieved with a unique addition of boiling water, while brown and granulated sugars create the perfect touch of sweetness. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and baked to perfection within 45, this stunning 9x9-inch cake is ideal for gatherings or a simple family treat. Serve it plain, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a cloud of whipped cream for an indulgent finish. This gingerbread cake recipe will be your go-to when you need an easy holiday dessert that will fill your home with nostalgic, spiced aromas.

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.25 teaspoons Baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons Ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.75 cup Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 0.75 cup Molasses
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 cup Whole milk, at room temperature
• 0.5 cup Boiling water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, molasses, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined.

Step 4

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the wet mixture, whisking well after each addition.

Step 5

Gradually mix in the room temperature whole milk until the mixture is smooth.

Step 6

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, gently folding with a spatula or whisk to combine. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 7

Carefully stir in the boiling water into the batter. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1395.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4137.6

Total Fat 165.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 783.5mg	0%
Sodium 3132.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 624.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.3g	0%
Total Sugars 389.6g
Protein 53.5g	0%

Vitamin D 206.0IU	0%
Calcium 1021.7mg	0%
Iron 28.2mg	0%
Potassium 4490.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.4%

Protein: 5.1%

Carbs: 59.5%