Frosted Ginger Spice Cake (Print Version)

Moist ginger spice cake with creamy frosting, ideal for festive or cozy teatime moments.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
02 - 1 tsp baking powder
03 - ½ tsp baking soda
04 - ½ tsp salt
05 - 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
06 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - ¼ tsp ground cloves

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
11 - ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
12 - ⅓ cup milk or dairy-free alternative
13 - 2 tbsp molasses
14 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

→ Frosting

15 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
16 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
17 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
18 - ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in applesauce, milk, molasses, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Take care not to overmix the batter.
06 - Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top surface evenly.
07 - Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
08 - Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
09 - Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; continue beating until creamy and uniform.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into portions and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of molasses and warm spices creates depth that reminds you of holidays without any complicated techniques
  • Gluten-free baking can be tricky but this cake turns out incredibly moist every single time
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients combine much better, so take the eggs, butter, and cream cheese out about an hour before baking
  • Letting the cake cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off
03 -
  • Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting to avoid any lumps
  • Don't open the oven door too early, or the cake might sink in the middle

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