Description
This elevated gingerbread recipe transforms a standard spice cake mix into a gourmet dessert using molasses, sour cream, and extra spices for a dense, plush crumb. Finished with a tangy spiced cream cheese frosting, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavor profiles.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix, sifted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sifted spice cake mix, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and individual spices; whisk for 30 seconds to disperse.
- Add the sour cream, water, molasses, and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then mix for 1 additional minute until the batter is glossy and fully emulsified.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cake pulls away from the sides and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to frost.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice and beat for 2-3 minutes until aerated.
- Add the softened cream cheese pieces to the butter mixture and beat on low/medium speed for 1 minute until just blended.
Notes
For the best structural results, ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing to allow for a better emulsion. If you find your cream cheese frosting is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up the fat matrix before assembly.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American