Cozy Gingerbread Latte Cake Recipe That Warms The Soul

Cozy winter afternoons find their perfect companion in this delightful gingerbread latte cake that captures café comfort at home.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and espresso drift through kitchen spaces, promising warmth in every slice.

Soft spices dance alongside rich coffee notes, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and creativity.

Delicate crumbs melt on your tongue, delivering complex layers of seasonal magic.

Bold ginger and smooth caffeine intertwine, challenging traditional dessert boundaries with unexpected flavor combinations.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake invites you to slow down and savor each remarkable bite.

Gingerbread Latte Cake That Tastes Like December

• Cozy Holiday Comfort: Dive into a warm, festive treat that captures the essence of winter celebrations with its rich, spiced flavors.
• Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine the beloved gingerbread and latte tastes in one spectacular dessert that takes just over an hour to create from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for holiday gatherings, winter parties, or a delightful weekend baking project that impresses family and friends with minimal advanced baking skills required.
• Sensory Delight Experience: Layer upon layer of aromatic spices, creamy frosting, and subtle coffee undertones create a multi-dimensional taste adventure that tingles every taste bud.

Flavorful Ingredients in Gingerbread Latte Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and foundation of the gingerbread cake.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic warm spices that create the signature gingerbread flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and achieve a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake, creating a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Molasses: Classic gingerbread ingredient that gives a rich, dark color and intense flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor.
• Buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and helps create a soft, tender texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds elegant vanilla flavor with visible vanilla specks.
• Brewed Coffee: Enhances the cake's flavor and adds moisture.
• Cinnamon, Coffee Beans, Holiday Sprinkles: Optional decorative and flavor-enhancing toppings.

Bake Gingerbread Latte Cake This Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep Pans

Heat the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab your cake pans and give them a quick spray of cooking oil or butter.

Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create the Wet Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

• Molasses
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Blend Everything Together

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Pour in buttermilk between additions.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter between the two prepared pans.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down the Cakes

Let the cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Infuse with Coffee Flavor

Gently brush the cooled cake layers with brewed coffee.

This adds a delicious latte-like twist.

Step 8: Whip Up the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste.

Whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 9: Stack and Frost

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate.

Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.

Carefully add the second cake layer.

Step 10: Final Frosting Touch

Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Make it look smooth and delicious.

Step 11: Add Festive Decorations

Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top.

You can also add coffee beans or holiday sprinkles for extra flair.

Step 12: Chill and Serve

Pop the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.

This helps the flavors meld and the frosting firm up.

Cake Tips With Gingerbread Latte Layers

• Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee for a more intense coffee soak, creating deeper flavor notes throughout the cake layers.
• Brush coffee soak gently and evenly to keep cake moist without making it soggy, ensuring each bite remains deliciously tender.
• Customize the gingerbread spice blend by increasing or decreasing ground ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon to suit personal taste preferences.
• Bring cream cheese, butter, and eggs to room temperature before mixing to achieve smoother, more consistent frosting and cake batter.
• Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days before assembling, saving time during holiday baking.

Keeping Gingerbread Latte Cake Soft and Delicious

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cake slices with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Bring cake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.

What Tastes Great With Latte Cake

• Brew Espresso Martini Companion: Shake up a classic espresso martini with vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso to mirror the cake's coffee-infused layers. The cocktail's bold caffeine kick perfectly complements the warm spices.
• Pair Creamy Caramel Latte: Serve a rich caramel latte alongside the cake to enhance the dessert's molasses and coffee undertones. The sweet, velvety drink balances the cake's spicy gingerbread notes.
• Sprinkle Dark Chocolate Truffles: Add a plate of dark chocolate truffles with hint of sea salt to create a luxurious flavor contrast. The intense chocolate deepens the cake's warm spice profile and provides a sophisticated touch.
• Drizzle Spiced Rum Sauce: Create a quick spiced rum sauce with brown sugar and cinnamon to pour over individual cake slices. The boozy, caramel-like sauce amplifies the gingerbread's festive warmth.

Spiced Versions of Gingerbread Latte Cake

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.
• Vegan Version: Use flax egg instead of regular egg, swap butter for plant-based margarine, and select dairy-free cream cheese for frosting to create a completely plant-based gingerbread latte cake.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free powdered sweetener for frosting, and reduce molasses quantity to cut down on overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.

FAQs

• What makes this gingerbread latte cake different from other cakes?

The unique combination of warm gingerbread spices and coffee creates a sophisticated flavor profile that bridges traditional holiday baking with modern coffee culture.

• Is this cake suitable for coffee lovers?

Absolutely! The coffee soak infuses the cake with a rich espresso flavor that complements the warm gingerbread spices, making it perfect for coffee enthusiasts.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped tightly. The cake actually develops deeper flavors when prepared a day before serving.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and manageable for bakers of intermediate skill level. Following the steps carefully will ensure a delicious result.

Gingerbread Latte Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spiced warmth meets sweet indulgence in this gingerbread latte cake, where classic holiday flavors dance together. Creamy layers and rich espresso notes create a festive dessert that welcomes winter’s embrace, inviting you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cake Base):

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup molasses

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting and Soak Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
• 0.5 cup brewed coffee, cooled

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Instructions

1. Prepare cake foundations by warming the oven to 350°F (175°C). Protect two 8-inch cake pans with butter and parchment paper.
2. Create a dry mixture blending flour, warming spices, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Ensure spices are evenly distributed.
3. In a separate large mixing vessel, whip butter and brown sugar until airy and pale. Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and integrated.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture. Gently fold components together, preventing overmixing to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
5. Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a clean wooden pick inserted into cake’s center.
6. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer onto cooling racks. Permit complete temperature reduction.
7. Delicately brush cake layers with brewed coffee, allowing liquid to penetrate and enhance flavor profile.
8. Whip cream cheese and butter until silky. Gradually fold in powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, creating a luxurious, light frosting.
9. Position first cake layer on serving plate. Spread generous frosting layer across surface.
10. Crown with second cake layer, then enrobe entire cake with remaining frosting.
11. Garnish with cinnamon dusting, scattered coffee beans, or festive sprinkles.
12. Refrigerate cake for minimum 30 minutes to set frosting and intensify flavors before serving.

Notes

• Spice Intensity: Adjust the ground spices according to your taste preference, increasing or decreasing ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a personalized flavor profile.
• Moisture Trick: Brush the coffee soak generously to prevent dry cake layers and enhance the deep, rich flavor of the gingerbread.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make the cake lactose-free without compromising taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers a day in advance and store wrapped in plastic to develop more intense flavors and ensure easier frosting application.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 207 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg