As the holidays approach, there's nothing quite like a warm slice of Gingerbread Village Cake to evoke the festive spirit. The first time I baked this cake, the scent of ginger and cinnamon wafted through my kitchen, wrapping me in a cozy embrace that transported me to a quaint village bustling with holiday cheer. With its rich molasses and creamy frosting, this cake isn’t just a delightful dessert; it’s a centerpiece that can bring the family together around the dining table.
I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season. Juggling work and holiday preparations, I needed something that would impress yet be easy enough not to add stress. This cake struck the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity, making it a go-to for gatherings. Plus, with the nostalgic flavors and festive decorations, it never fails to spark joyful conversations.
Join me in creating this delectable Gingerbread Village Cake, where every bite feels like a warm hug!
Why You'll Love This Gingerbread Village Cake
- This Gingerbread Village Cake is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a festive treat without added stress.
- The delightful blend of spices and creamy frosting creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone lining up for seconds.
- Its stunning visual appeal, adorned with iced gingerbread biscuits, makes it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
- Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also saves time in the kitchen, letting you focus on making memories with loved ones.
Gingerbread Village Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to create a festive masterpiece!
For the Cake
- Salted butter – 180g, at room temperature for a creamy texture.
- Brown sugar – 200g, adds depth and moisture to the cake.
- Extra-large eggs – 2, provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Molasses – 60ml, for that signature gingerbread flavor.
- Sour cream – 125ml, ensures a tender and moist cake.
- Buttermilk – 125ml, adds a tangy richness and moist crumb.
- Cake wheat flour – 320g, the base of your delightful cake.
- Baking powder – 1 tsp, helps your cake rise beautifully.
- Baking soda – ½ tsp, enhances the rise for a light texture.
- Fine salt – ¼ tsp, balances the sweetness in the cake.
- Ground ginger – 4 tsp, brings that warm, spicy kick.
- Ground cinnamon – 2 tsp, for a comforting, aromatic flavor.
- Mixed spice – 1 tsp, a blend that enhances the cake’s festive essence.
- Ground nutmeg – ½ tsp, adds a hint of holiday warmth.
- Ground cloves – ½ tsp, introduces a subtly sweet and intense spice.
- Festive Food Cake Mix – 185g, a mix of raisins, sultanas, fruit peel, and almond slivers for holiday charm.
- Toasted pecans – 60g, roughly chopped for a delightful crunch.
For the Frosting
- Butter – 200g, at room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Cream cheese – 250g, gives the frosting a rich, tangy flavor.
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp, enhances the overall taste perfectly.
- Maple syrup or honey – 2 tbsp, adds natural sweetness and depth.
- Icing sugar – 200g, for that smooth texture and sweetness in your frosting.
Create your own Gingerbread Village Cake masterpiece with these ingredients, and prepare to delight your family and friends!
How to Make Gingerbread Village Cake
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line three 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper. This will ensure your cakes don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.
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Cream together the salted butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until it’s fluffy and light, about 3-5 minutes. This step is key to creating a light and delicious cake.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake a lovely texture.
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Mix in the molasses, sour cream, and buttermilk slowly to your mixture. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor of your Gingerbread Village Cake.
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Sift the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices into a separate bowl. Gradually mix this into your wet batter until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the festive food cake mix and toasted pecans gently into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without losing too much of the airiness.
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Divide the batter evenly across the prepared cake tins. Bake for 25–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
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Cool the cakes in the tins for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key to prevent them from crumbling!
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For the frosting: Beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey until well combined.
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Sift in the icing sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This frosting will be the perfect, rich finish to your cake.
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Assemble your cake by layering the cooled cakes with a generous ¼ cup of frosting between each layer.
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Cover the top and sides of the layered cake entirely with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish.
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Decorate with adorable iced gingerbread biscuits on top for that extra festive touch!
Optional: Add seasonal sprinkles for a pop of color and fun!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Gingerbread Village Cake layers are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cake itself up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the cakes, allow them to cool completely, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This helps maintain moisture and flavor, ensuring they stay just as delicious. You can also make the frosting ahead of time; it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to assemble, just take out the cake and frosting, layer as directed, and let it come to room temperature before serving for that fresh, homemade taste!
What to Serve with Gingerbread Village Cake?
As you indulge in the spiced delight of this festive cake, consider these perfect pairings to create an inviting holiday feast.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that beautifully contrasts the dense, spiced cake. It's a classic and simple addition many love.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve a warm glass of spiced apple cider on the side. The fruity notes and cozy spices echo the flavors in the cake, enhancing the festive experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melting atop a slice creates a delightful temperature contrast and complements the rich flavors of the cake perfectly.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm, rich chocolate ganache offers an unexpected twist that adds decadence to the cake, making it even more indulgent.
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Ginger Tea: For a warming beverage, consider a cup of ginger tea. Its soothing properties and the spicy kick of ginger create a harmonious theme with the cake.
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Pecan Pie: Continue the festive spirit with a slice of pecan pie. The nutty sweetness pairs wonderfully with the gingerbread flavors, creating a delightful dessert spread.
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Fruit Platter: A vibrant fruit platter with oranges, berries, and apples introduces freshness. The acidity from the fruits brightens the palate after each rich bite.
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Creamy Custard: Pour over a sauce of creamy custard for an elegant touch. The smooth consistency and sweetness elevate the spiced cake into something extraordinary.
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Village Cake
Fridge: Store the assembled Gingerbread Village Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it moist and fresh while the flavors meld beautifully.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap cake slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in airtight freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delightful flavor.
Reheating: For the best taste, thaw slices overnight in the fridge, then warm them slightly in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature. The spices will bloom again, bringing back that festive aroma!
Gingerbread Village Cake Variations
Feel free to spice things up with your own twist on this delightful cake!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a rich, creamy frosting.
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Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and replace the Festive Food Cake Mix with a nut-free version. This keeps the textures delightful while catering to allergies.
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Spice Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the spice mix for a surprising kick, perfect for those who love a little heat with their sweet!
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Fruit Forward: Incorporate fresh or dried cranberries instead of the festive food mix for a tart burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich spices.
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Chocolate Lovers: Swirl melted chocolate chips into the frosting for an indulgent chocolate-gingerbread fusion that adds a decadent layer of flavor.
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Maple Twist: Swap the regular sugar with maple sugar for a deeper, earthy sweetness that enhances the holiday vibe in every slice.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to cater to gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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Layered Delight: Add layers of spiced apple compote between the cake layers for a moist burst of fruity goodness that complements the gingerbread perfectly.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture for your Gingerbread Village Cake, make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar, as this will incorporate more air.
- Be cautious not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- When folding in the fruit and nut mix, use a gentle hand to preserve the airiness of the batter for the best rise.
- Finally, remember to bake the cakes at 180°C for 25-27 minutes, and check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.
Gingerbread Village Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using salted butter, as it complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and other ingredients. Make sure it's at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar, which helps to create a light and fluffy batter.
How should I store the Gingerbread Village Cake?
Once assembled, store your Gingerbread Village Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This not only keeps it moist but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If it's not yet assembled, store the individual cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the Gingerbread Village Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place them in airtight freezer bags. This ensures they last up to 3 months without losing flavor. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them slightly in the microwave, or savor them at room temperature.
What if my cake doesn't rise properly?
If your Gingerbread Village Cake doesn't rise as expected, it could be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Always check the expiration dates before use. Also, ensure that you’re not overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can lead to a denser cake. Remember, gentle folding in is key!
Is this cake safe for pets or those with allergies?
This Gingerbread Village Cake contains ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and nuts, which aren't suitable for pets, especially dogs. If you're baking for someone with allergies, be cautious with nuts and gluten in the recipe. You could try substituting with nut-free mixes or gluten-free flour for a safer option.
How can I make this cake more festive?
To enhance the festive appeal, consider adding seasonal spices like cardamom to the batter, or garnishing the top with more colorful decorations like holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter. Also, consider using character-shaped gingerbread biscuits for that extra holiday cheer!
Gingerbread Village Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line three 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper.
- Cream together the salted butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until fluffy and light, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the molasses, sour cream, and buttermilk slowly to your mixture.
- Sift the dry ingredients into a separate bowl and gradually mix this into your wet batter until just combined.
- Fold in the festive food cake mix and toasted pecans gently into the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly across the prepared cake tins and bake for 25–27 minutes.
- Cool the cakes in the tins for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey until well combined.
- Sift in the icing sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble your cake by layering the cooled cakes with frosting between each layer.
- Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with iced gingerbread biscuits for a festive touch!
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