Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake

Spiced Gingerbread Layer Cake

A festive showstopper perfect for the holidays—soft, warmly spiced layers of gingerbread cake paired with creamy frosting.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (250g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups (300g) brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180ml) molasses or treacle
• ¼ cup (60ml) honey or golden syrup
• 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting Options

1) Cream Cheese Frosting

• 300g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 125g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

2) White Buttercream

• 375g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp (60ml) milk or cream
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

 Preparation

1. Make the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
2. Grease four 8-inch (20 cm) round pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
   (You can also use two pans and slice each layer in half later.)
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
4. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
6. Mix in the molasses, honey, and vanilla extract.
7. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour.
   Do not overmix.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and smooth the tops.

2. Bake

• Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes