Easy Chocolate Gingerbread Cake (So Yummy!)

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake takes the classic flavors of gingerbread cookies and pairs them with dark cocoa. I’ve you’ve never tried the combination of ginger and chocolate, you’re in for a treat!

This easy gingerbread cake recipe is the perfect cake when you’re craving a sweet treat but what something that is easy and fast to prepare – it only takes about 15 minutes of prep time to throw together and bakes up deliciously. Perfect for the holiday season!

Making This Christmas Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Now that we’ve put Thanksgiving behind us, I am so ready to start with some Christmas baking … and so are my kiddos!

The Christmas tree is up and decorated, stockings hung, and Christmas music playing 24/7 (along with my own private karaoke party, much to Logan’s dismay).

This easy Chocolate Gingerbread Cake – a twist on a classic gingerbread cake thanks to the chocolate – is super simple and the perfect way to ease into your holiday baking if you’re still feeling a little tired from your Thanksgiving festivities.

Kids interested in doing a little solo holiday baking will love this recipe because it is simple enough for them to handle on their own.

I love a slice of this for dessert with a cup of hot Spiced Pomegranate Apple Cider or Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate.

Or, for breakfast it pairs deliciously with Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie. Because sometimes I like to eat cake for breakfast!

Tools Needed to Prepare this Chocolate Gingerbread Cake Recipe

I recommend having the following kitchen tools on hand before getting started with this recipe for moist gingerbread cake.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure the ingredients for this chocolate gingerbread cake.
• Large Bowl – to combine the dry ingredients in.
• Medium Bowl – to combine the wet ingredients in and to make the optional cream cheese frosting.
• Whisk – to whisk ingredients.
• Electric Mixer – to beat the wet ingredients and then combine the dry and wet ingredients together.
• Silicone Spatula – to scrape the sides of the bowl when preparing the ginger cake.
• Parchment Paper – to line the pan with before baking the cake.
• 9-inch Baking Pan – to bake the cake in.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester – to test the warm gingerbread cake for doneness.
• Wire Rack – to cool the cake on after baking.
• Fine Mesh Sifter – for dusting the top of the fluffy cake with gingerbread spices.

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake Ingredients

This is essentially a ginger molasses cake that’s been flavored with cocoa powder. I don’t always frost it since the cake itself is so moist and spiced, but you can add cream cheese frosting, if desired. To make the Christmas gingerbread cake, you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Ground Ginger
• Ground Cinnamon
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda

Wet Ingredients:

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Boiling water

Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

• Salted Butter
• Cream Cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Orange Zest
• Vanilla Extract
• Milk
• Gingerbread Spice or Ground Cinnamon, for dusting

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

This ginger molasses cake is super simple to make, especially since it doesn’t require any frosting or icing.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the all of the wet ingredients except the egg and water. Mix with a handheld electric mixer on medium speed until the ingredients are well blended.
4. Add the egg to the mixture and continue to mix over medium speed until combined.
5. Add flour mixture alternately with the hot water, stirring with a wooden spoon just until mixed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting for Gingerbread Cake

I am a huge fan of gingerbread cake with tangy cream cheese frosting on top, but this recipe definitely still tastes delicious without it if you’re pressed for time! Here’s how to make the optional frosting:

Beat the butter and cream cheese together. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing. Add vanilla and orange zest and beat until well combined.

After that, frost the cooled cake with an offset spatula.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cake

• Do NOT use blackstrap molasses to make this cake. It’s very bitter and doesn’t work well in baked goods.
• This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground ginger. That’s not a typo! You need that much ginger to flavor all of the flour and cocoa powder.
• Make sure you soften your butter and cream cheese, but don’t let them get too warm. Check out these tips for softening butter.

Can This Recipe Be Doubled?

Yes! You’re welcome to double the ingredients and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. It will be slightly thicker and the baking time will be longer, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

How to Store Leftover Gingerbread Cake

Leftovers are best stored in the refrigerator if you include the frosting since it has cream cheese in it. Store it in an airtight container or in the baking pan covered in a lid or plastic wrap.

Without the frosting this chocolate gingerbread cake can be stored at room temperature covered or in an airtight container.

Can this Cake Be Frozen?

You can definitely freeze it! This chocolate gingerbread cake is best frozen without the frosting, however. Let it cool to room temperature, then seal in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw on the counter.

How to Garnish a Gingerbread Cake

A pretty garnish idea for individual squares of this cake is to add a few sugared cranberries or a dried orange slice on top of the frosting in the center of each piece before serving.

How to Serve this Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

This gingerbread cake is tasty anyway you choose to serve it. Here are a few different ideas:

• Plain, as is. Still super good, especially if you serve it warm, and it is super fast to prepare!
• Simple but dusted with powdered sugar.
• Want more chocolate? Add 1/3 – 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips.
• Add the optional cream cheese frosting and serve it like cake. Still easy to make, but for best results you’ll need to let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.
• Without the frosting, but add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and maybe even some Vanilla Bourbon Caramel Sauce.

Try this Delicious Gingerbread Cake Recipe!

Next time you’re looking for an easy dessert that is holiday party worthy, give this Easy Gingerbread Cake Recipe a try!

Did you think it was the perfect dessert for your Christmas Day celebration? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this delicious recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this gingerbread cake!

More Gingerbread Recipes to Try:

Gingerbread is such a classic holiday flavor. Here are several other ways to enjoy this iconic, tasty treat this December:

You can’t go wrong with a classic Gingerbread Cut Out Cookie, but these Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies are a fun twist on the classic.

Get in the holiday spirit with these easy Gingerbread Cupcakes! Tangy cream cheese icing is the perfect compliment to these fluffy gingerbread spiced cupcakes.

These Gingerbread Caramels are a delicious and a great Christmas candy to add to your Holiday goodie making list. Caramel pairs awesomely with hints of molasses and ginger.

Homemade Granola Bars are easy and delicious. Try this recipe for Gingerbread Granola Bars, plus a formula for customizing your own granola bars however you like.

These Fresh Cranberry Muffins are flavored with classic gingerbread spices and molasses, making them the perfect holiday or Christmas muffin recipe!

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