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