Why Make This Recipe
Gingerbread Village Cake is a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays. This cake is not only visually impressive but also packed with warm spices and rich flavors. It brings families together and adds a festive touch to your dessert table. Making this cake can be a fun and creative activity, especially if you include kids in the decorating process.
How to Make Gingerbread Village Cake
Ingredients
Gingerbread Cake:
- 180g salted butter, at room temperature
- 200g brown sugar
- 60ml (1/4 cup) molasses
- 125ml (1/2 cup) sour cream
- 125ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk
- 320g cake wheat flour
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 20ml (4 teaspoons) ground ginger
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) ground cinnamon
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) mixed spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 185g (1 1/4 cup) Food Lover’s Market Festive Food Cake Mix
- 60g (1/2 cup) pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
Gingerbread Cake Maple Frosting:
- 200g butter, at room temperature
- 250g cream cheese
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) maple syrup or honey
- 200g icing sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy.
- Add in the molasses, sour cream, and buttermilk. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring well until combined.
- Stir in the Festive Food Cake Mix and toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
How to Serve Gingerbread Village Cake
Once your Gingerbread Village Cake is cooled and frosted, you can serve it almost immediately. It can be enjoyed plain or topped with extra pecans and holiday decorations. Slice the cake into generous pieces and present it on a festive platter for your guests to enjoy.
How to Store Gingerbread Village Cake
To keep your Gingerbread Village Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the cake for longer storage. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Gingerbread Village Cake
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; a few lumps are okay.
- For an extra festive touch, use different colored icing or candies for decoration.
- Try to use fresh spices for the best flavor.
Variation
You can change the flavor of the frosting by adding different extracts, like almond or lemon. For a lighter touch, consider using whipped cream instead of frosting.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just store it properly to keep it moist.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make a homemade version by mixing milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.