Classic Gingerbread Recipe – Soft, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet
There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven. Warm, spicy, and slightly sweet, this classic treat is a holiday favorite but can be enjoyed any time you crave a comforting spiced dessert. From soft cake slices to cut-out cookies, gingerbread evokes nostalgia and seasonal cheer with every bite.
This recipe yields a soft, moist gingerbread cake, perfectly balanced with the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread
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Warm, comforting spices: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
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Moist and tender texture
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Versatile: can be made as a cake, loaf, or bars
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Easy to make with pantry staples
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Perfect for holidays or cozy weeknights
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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2 tsp ground ginger
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground cloves
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½ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 cup molasses (dark or blackstrap for richer flavor)
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1 cup hot water or hot coffee
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or orange juice
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Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, beating until smooth.
Step 4: Add Molasses
Mix in the molasses. The batter will be thick and richly colored.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and hot water/coffee to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Hot water or coffee helps intensify the spices and keeps the cake moist.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Optional Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar with milk or juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled gingerbread for extra sweetness and presentation.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread
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Use fresh spices for the brightest flavor
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Molasses matters: dark molasses gives deeper flavor
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Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid a dense texture
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Hot water/coffee enhances spice aroma and keeps cake moist
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Store properly: gingerbread improves in flavor after a day
Variations
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Gingerbread Loaf: Bake in a loaf pan for a portable treat
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Gingerbread Bars: Cut into squares for snacks or lunchboxes
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Soft Gingerbread Cookies: Add more flour and chill dough for cut-outs
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Chocolate Gingerbread: Add 2–3 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter
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Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread is delicious served with:
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Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
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Vanilla ice cream
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Hot tea, coffee, or mulled cider
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Fresh berries or candied ginger
Storage
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Room temperature: Store covered for up to 4 days
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Refrigerator: Up to 1 week, tightly wrapped
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Freezer: Wrap well and freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of spices, molasses, and hot liquid creates a gingerbread that is deeply flavorful yet tender. The sweetness is balanced by the warm spices, resulting in a cake that’s soft, moist, and perfect for slicing or cutting into bars.
Final Thoughts
Whether baked for holidays, gifts, or a cozy weekend treat, this Classic Gingerbread Recipe delivers warmth, comfort, and irresistible spice. Moist, fragrant, and perfectly balanced, it’s a timeless favorite that brings joy with every bite.