Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of warm spices and rich chocolate? This decadent chocolate gingerbread cake is the perfect recipe for those cozy evenings when you crave a comforting and delicious homemade treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and offers a delightful twist on the classic gingerbread recipe. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, or simply as a delicious addition to your weeknight dessert rotation. Get ready to enjoy this easy recipe for a healthy and flavorful cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Dust it lightly with flour for extra insurance against sticking. This simple step will save you frustration later!
Making the Cake Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Make sure all the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout the cake.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling strong!
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Beat in the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
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Stir in the chocolate chips and crystallized ginger (if using).
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Ganache:
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While the cake is baking, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
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Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently whisk until smooth and glossy.
Finishing Touches:
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Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting it with the chocolate ganache.
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Once frosted, you can let it sit for a bit to allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate gingerbread cake!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cake will taste.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the ganache from melting.
- Get creative with decorations: Add a sprinkle of extra ginger, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Nutty delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Citrus zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
This delicious chocolate gingerbread cake recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver amazing results. It's a fantastic quick dinner dessert or a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating this delightful dish!