Hey there, kitchies! If there’s one dessert that instantly fills the whole house with warm, cozy holiday vibes — it’s Gingerbread Spice Cake with Caramel Drizzle. This cake is the perfect balance of warm spices, moist texture, and sweet caramel goodness that makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
The first time I made this, my little family couldn’t stop sneaking slices straight from the cooling rack. My husband swears it’s the best cake I’ve ever made — and honestly? I might have to agree. It’s become a staple every holiday season, and now I find myself making it even when Christmas is months away!
The best part? It’s easy to make, smells absolutely divine, and that sticky caramel drizzle takes it to a whole new level of decadence.
Why This Gingerbread Spice Cake Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert 🎅🍰
- Rich, moist texture with warm gingerbread spices
- Perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors
- Topped with homemade buttery caramel drizzle
- Easy to make — no fancy mixers required
- Stays moist for days
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 15 mins
Bake Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Gingerbread Spice Cake with Caramel Drizzle
1️⃣ Prep the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the molasses and mix until combined.
4️⃣ Add Eggs & Milk:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then pour in the milk and mix until smooth.
5️⃣ Combine:
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Make the Caramel Drizzle 🍯
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and golden. Add a pinch of salt, remove from heat, and let cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Spice Cake
- Use dark molasses for that classic gingerbread flavor
- Don’t skip the salt in the caramel — it balances out the sweetness
- Let the cake cool completely before drizzling the caramel
- Top with powdered sugar or whipped cream for extra holiday magic
Substitutions & Variations
Ingredient | Substitute |
---|---|
All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour |
Molasses | Maple Syrup (for a lighter flavor) |
Heavy Cream | Coconut Cream (for dairy-free) |
Butter | Vegan Butter |
Make a Healthier Version 🌿
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar
- Substitute butter with coconut oil
- Use coconut milk in the caramel sauce
Why This Cake Will Be Your Family’s New Holiday Tradition 🎄
Every time I bake this cake, the whole house smells like cinnamon, ginger, and happiness. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone into the kitchen, stealing little bites before the caramel even finishes setting.
We love having a slice with hot cocoa by the Christmas tree — but if we’re being honest, I might sneak a piece for breakfast with my coffee the next morning.
And there you have it!
A cozy, spiced cake that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, chilly afternoons, or just a little treat-yourself moment. If you try this Gingerbread Spice Cake with Caramel Drizzle, let me know how it turns out — I always love hearing your kitchen stories!
Looking for more cozy holiday recipes? Try these next:
👉 Pumpkin Balls with Date Fruits
👉 Banana Protein Muffins
👉 No Bake Cranberry Almond Energy Bites
Categories: Dessert, Holiday Baking, No-Fuss Cakes
Tags: gingerbread cake, holiday baking, caramel drizzle, Christmas recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stays moist for up to 3 days stored at room temperature.
❓ Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
❓ What if I don’t have molasses?
You can swap for maple syrup or honey, but the flavor will be a little lighter.
❓ Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Just bake for 18-20 minutes instead of 30.
❓ What frosting goes well with this cake?
A simple cream cheese frosting or whipped cream pairs perfectly!
Gingerbread Spice Cake With Caramel
Description
This cake is the perfect balance of warm spices, moist texture, and sweet caramel goodness that makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the molasses and mix until combined.
4️⃣ Add Eggs & Milk:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then pour in the milk and mix until smooth.
5️⃣ Combine:
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined — don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.