Embark on a culinary journey to holiday cheer with this Quick Gingerbread Cake, a beloved recipe that promises to add warmth and spice to your festive celebrations. This gingerbread cake comes together in a flash, blending the rich flavors of traditional holiday spices, cocoa, and honey for a moist, flavorful treat. Perfect for those who love to bake but are short on time, this cake ensures you don't miss out on the joy of homemade holiday desserts.
Why You'll Love This Cake:
This gingerbread cake is a perfect example of convenience meeting festivity. Its speedy preparation time does not compromise on taste or texture, providing a soft, spiced cake that's a hit with all ages. The addition of plum jam between the layers and a glossy chocolate glaze on top elevates it from a simple gingerbread to a decadent holiday dessert.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for holiday gatherings, last-minute Christmas baking, or as a delightful treat to enjoy with family on a cold winter evening. Its ease of preparation also makes it a great choice for baking with children, creating holiday memories without the fuss.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra festive touch, garnish the glazed cake with holiday-themed sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh cranberries or rosemary sprigs can add a pop of color and a hint of nature to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 120g butter
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 heaping tablespoons plum jam
- 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
For the Filling:
- 4 tablespoons plum jam
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 60g butter
- 30g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- 3 tablespoons boiling water
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter with sugar, honey, plum jam, gingerbread spice, and cocoa. Mix well.
- Separately, lightly whisk eggs with milk and baking soda. Combine with the cooled butter mixture, mixing on low speed.
- Gradually add flour, blending until smooth. Pour into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 356°F (180°C) for about 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool, then slice horizontally and spread plum jam on the bottom layer before reassembling.
- For the glaze, melt butter with sugar until dissolved, then add cocoa. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and mix into the cocoa mixture until smooth. Pour over the cake.
Enjoy this Quick Gingerbread Cake, a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday dessert spread that brings the essence of the season to your table with minimal effort.