Gingerbread Village Cake: Perfect Sweet Treat for the Holidays
Short introduction
Gingerbread Village Cake is a festive delight that brings the warmth of the holidays to your dining table. This cake, infused with a blend of rich spices and sweet flavors, captures the essence of Christmas in each slice. Not only is it visually appealing, but the combination of ginger, molasses, and cream cheese frosting makes it a perfect dessert for any celebration or cozy gathering.
Why you’ll love it
Making this Gingerbread Village Cake offers several benefits. For one, it fills your home with a delightful aroma that instantly elevates your holiday spirit. The cake is a great centerpiece for festive gatherings and gives a comforting taste that everyone loves. Plus, it’s versatile enough for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant holiday parties. The cake can also be decorated in creative ways, allowing you to showcase your personality while baking.
Ingredients
- 180g salted butter, at room temperature
- 200g brown sugar
- 60ml (1/4 cup) molasses
- 125ml (1/2 cup) sour cream
- 125ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk
- 320g cake wheat flour
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 20ml (4 teaspoons) ground ginger
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) ground cinnamon
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) mixed spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 185g (1 1/4 cup) Food Lover’s Market Festive Food Cake Mix
- 60g pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 200g butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
- 250g cream cheese
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) maple syrup or honey
- 200g icing sugar
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to customize your Gingerbread Village Cake, consider these substitutions:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for more control over saltiness.
- Buttermilk: Substitute with milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tang.
- Spices: You can experiment with additional spices or adjust quantities based on your taste preferences.
- Frosting: For a lighter option, consider using whipped cream in place of cream cheese frosting.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the pans
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two round cake pans to keep the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses, sour cream, and buttermilk until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Add festive touches
Fold in the Festive Food Cake Mix and chopped pecans. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Step 5: Bake the cakes
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the frosting
For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and maple syrup or honey, then gradually add in the icing sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble the cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between the layers and coat the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate the cake as desired.
Tips for baking the Gingerbread Village Cake
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined to keep your cake fluffy.
- Consider using a toothpick to check for doneness— it should come out clean from the center of the cake.
How to serve Gingerbread Village Cake
Serve slices of Gingerbread Village Cake at room temperature for the best texture. You can also top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or more frosting for added richness. For a festive touch, consider serving with holiday-themed garnishes like sprinkles or edible glitter.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover Gingerbread Village Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be baked a day ahead. Just frost it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze the Gingerbread Village Cake?
Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to three months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil.
3. What other toppings can I use?
You can use nuts, chocolate ganache, or even sprinkles to decorate, depending on your preference.
4. Is this cake suitable for children?
Yes, the cake’s ingredients are safe for children. Just be mindful of any allergies, especially to nuts.
5. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the regular flour for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This cake is a rich treat with traditional holiday flavors. It’s best enjoyed in moderation alongside a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Village Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug from the holidays! It’s simple to make, perfect for gatherings, and versatile enough for any celebration. Don’t wait to bring a piece of holiday magic to your table—try this delightful recipe today!
Links to related recipes
- Easy Spiced Applesauce Cake
- Classic Pumpkin Pie
- Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Bars
- Festive Eggnog Cupcakes
Gingerbread Village Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 180 g salted butter, at room temperature
- 200 g brown sugar
- 60 ml molasses
- 125 ml sour cream
- 125 ml buttermilk
- 320 g cake wheat flour
- 5 ml baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
- 20 ml ground ginger
- 10 ml ground cinnamon
- 5 ml mixed spice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
- 185 g Food Lover's Market Festive Food Cake Mix
- 60 g pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
Frosting Ingredients
- 200 g butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
- 250 g cream cheese
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- 30 ml maple syrup or honey
- 200 g icing sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses, sour cream, and buttermilk until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Festive Food Cake Mix and chopped pecans. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Baking
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and maple syrup or honey, then gradually add in the icing sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between the layers and coat the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate the cake as desired.