Gingerbread Cake

 🍰🎄 Gingerbread Cake ❄️🧁

A cozy spiced holiday cake layered with cream and topped with festive cheer! 🎅✨

Ingredients:

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 tablespoon ground ginger

* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

* 1/2 cup brown sugar

* 2 large eggs

* 1 cup molasses

* 1 cup hot water

* 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the frosting:

* 8 oz cream cheese, softened

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

* 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For decoration (optional but festive!):

* Sugared cranberries

* Sprigs of rosemary or pine

* Star anise

* Frosted berries or mini gingerbread cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda.

3. In another large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.

4. Mix in molasses, then slowly add the flour mixture alternately with hot water and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.

5. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

7. For frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.

8. Frost between the cake layers and on top. Let the frosting drip slightly down the sides for a rustic look.

9. Decorate with sugared cranberries, star anise, and greenery for a holiday finish!

Pro Tip:

For extra flavor, brush cake layers with a little orange juice or spiced syrup before frosting! 🍊✨