Are you dreaming of cozy evenings by the fire, the aroma of warm spices filling your home? Then look no further! This gingerbread bundt cake recipe is your ticket to pure autumnal bliss. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a moist, flavorful cake perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dessert to a holiday gathering. Get ready to enjoy this delicious and easy recipe for a truly homemade treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan. This ensures easy release later.
Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt. Setting this aside keeps your workspace organized.
Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses and coffee until well combined.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and crumbling.
Glaze (optional): While the cake cools, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Bundt Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and molasses are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
- Cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Citrus twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Cream cheese frosting: Instead of a simple glaze, top with a delicious cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 18-20g Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
This gingerbread bundt cake is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s a delicious dish, a healthy meal option (in moderation!), and a quick dinner dessert solution. Enjoy the warm spices and the comforting taste of homemade cooking – this recipe will become a favorite in your collection of best recipes.