Easy Gingerbread Sheet Cake Recipe & Cream Cheese Frosting
How to make a gingerbread sheet cake recipe with cream cheese frosting. This easy sheet cake is sure to impress for Christmas gatherings with the delicious flavors of gingerbread.
If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, this gingerbread sheet cake recipe is the perfect choice.
Combining warm spices, a moist and tender texture, and a luscious tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s an ideal treat for the holidays—or any time you crave the cozy flavors of gingerbread. Easy to prepare and bake, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Perfect Holiday Treat
This gingerbread sheet cake embodies everything we love about the holiday season. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a symphony of warm, nostalgic flavors for an easy gingerbread sheet cake.
The moist and fluffy texture pairs beautifully with the creamy tang of the cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that’s simply irresistible. Whether served as a centerpiece at a holiday dinner or as a cozy dessert after a snowy day, it’s a spice cake recipe that warms hearts and bellies alike.
Easy to Make and Share
One of the best things about this simple gingerbread sheet cake recipe is its simplicity. With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, even novice bakers can master this cake with ease.
Plus, as a sheet cake, it’s perfect for serving a crowd at large gatherings—no fussy layering or decorating required. From family gatherings to office parties, this cake travels well and guarantees plenty of compliments wherever it goes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin check this full ingredients list to make sure you have everything you need on hand.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
How to Make the Gingerbread Sheet Cake
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the oven and baking dish:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray with cooking spray or line a 13×9-inch baking dish or quarter sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Heat the wet ingredients:
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, water, and molasses. Heat over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to boil for 3-5 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
3. Combine the dry ingredients:
In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar.
4. Mix the batter:
Pour the warm molasses mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the remaining wet ingredients:
Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the cooled mixture. Mix on medium speed well until the batter is smooth.
6. Bake the cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes in preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
7. Prepare the frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
8. Frost the cake:
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Places to Take or Use This Recipe
- Holiday Gatherings: Bring this gingerbread sheet cake to Christmas parties or potlucks for a guaranteed hit.
- Office Celebrations: Impress coworkers with a homemade treat that’s easy to transport and share.
- Family Dinners: Make this cake the grand finale for a cozy family meal.
- Gift Giving: Bake it as a thoughtful holiday gift for neighbors or friends.
Variations to Change It Up
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle kick that enhances the gingerbread flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.
Citrus Twist: Mix orange zest into the frosting for a bright, tangy contrast.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent touch.
Toppings: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the top or a dollop of whipped cream made with heavy whipping cream. If you don’t love a cream cheese frosting also feel free to make a simple buttercream frosting to top the moist gingerbread cake with.
Decorations: Add sprinkles, gingerbread men cookies, crushed up candy canes, or other decorative items to the top of the cake after frosting.
Gingerbread Cupcakes: Instead of making this recip into a cake, opt for cupcakes instead. Fill each cupcake with a cupcake liner and fill 2/3 full. Bake for 15 minutes. If the center of the cake is not done, continue to bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Can This Recipe Be Stored or Made Ahead?
Yes! Here’s how:
Storage: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: Bake the cake up to two days in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature, and frost it on the day you plan to serve it.
Common Questions About Gingerbread Sheet Cake Recipe
1. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, you can also use whipped cream, vanilla buttercream, or even a simple glaze for a lighter option.
2. Can I bake this in a different pan?
Absolutely. You can use a round or square pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan may result in a thicker cake and longer baking time. If you want to make a larger sheet cake I would double the recipe and a use two 9×13 pans.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost before serving.
Gingerbread Sheet Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 c flour
- 1 ½ t ginger
- 1 t cinnamon
- ½ t baking soda
- ¼ t cloves
- ¼ t nutmeg
- ½ t salt
- 1 ¾ c brown sugar
- 1 c unsalted butter
- 1 c water
- ½ c molasses
- ½ c milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 t vanilla
For the frosting
- 12 oz cream cheese softened
- ¾ c unsalted butter softened
- 2 t vanilla
- 2 ½ c powdered sugar
Instructions
For the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray or line a 13×9 baking dish, set aside.
- In a small sauce pan, combine the butter, water and molasses. Heat over medium and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally and boil for 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, soda, cloves, nutmeg, salt and brown sugar. Mix to combine.
- Pour the molasses mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix on low to combine, scraping the sides often.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Add in the eggs, milk and vanilla. Mix well, scraping the sides and mixing again.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before decorating.
For the Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the powdered sugar and mix on low until combined. Bump up the speed and mix on medium until smooth and fluffy – scraping the sides often.
- Once cool, spread the frosting over the cake in an even layer.
Notes
Conclusion and Call to Action
This gingerbread sheet cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the rich, warm flavors of the season. Easy to make, perfect for sharing, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year. The whole family will love this recipe during the Christmas time of year.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the festive baking begin! Don’t forget to share your creations and tips in the comments below. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
More Gingerbread Themed Ideas and Christmas Treats to Try:
- What’s Your Gingerbread Name
- Gingerbread Ornaments
- Candy Cane Cupcakes
- Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps Cookies
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Hi there!
I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
