Introduction
Celebrate love and warmth this Valentine’s Day with a delightful gingerbread sheet cake that’s perfectly spiced and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. This recipe captures the cozy essence of the season while adding a touch of sweetness to your special day.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Gingerbread Cake:
225g all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
120g unsalted butter, softened
100g brown sugar
1 large egg
160ml molasses
240ml buttermilk
For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
250g cream cheese, softened
100g unsalted butter, softened
100g powdered sugar
60ml pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12-15 servings
To make the cake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, then add the egg and mix until incorporated. Mix in the molasses until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top before baking for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, and mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake. Slice into squares and serve or decorate further as desired.
Enjoy this sweet and spiced treat that embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare your 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This aromatic blend creates the quintessential gingerbread flavor. Set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, take the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The sugar should dissolve, leaving you with a creamy, sweet base.
Step 4: Incorporate the Egg
Add a large egg to your butter and sugar mix. Beat until the egg is smoothly incorporated, helping to create a tender crumb in your cake.
Step 5: Add Molasses
Pour in the molasses and mix until fully combined. The deep, rich flavor of molasses is what gives the cake its delightful gingerbread taste.
Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients to ensure everything is well incorporated. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Step 7: Pour and Smooth
Pour the beautifully spiced batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, ensuring a nice bake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done. The kitchen will fill with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the texture of the cake and helps keep it moist.
Step 10: Prepare the Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich mixture will serve as the luxurious base for your frosting.
Step 11: Sweeten the Frosting
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined for a sweet and creamy consistency. Take your time to incorporate air into the mix, as this adds fluffiness.
Step 12: Flavor the Frosting
Add the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract to the frosting. Beat until smooth and creamy, allowing the warm, delightful maple flavor to shine and enhance the sweetness.
Step 13: Frost the Cake
Once the gingerbread cake has completely cooled, spread the maple cream cheese frosting generously over the surface of the cake. You can use a spatula for a smooth finish or create decorative swirls.
Step 14: Slice and Serve
Cut the cake into squares for serving. You can enjoy it as is or decorate further with sprinkles, edible glitter, or heart-shaped toppings for a festive touch.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe yields about 12-15 servings, perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay delicious for a few days, and the flavors often improve overnight.
Paking Tips
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best consistency and flavor.
Flavor Enhancements
For an extra twist, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also drizzle additional maple syrup over the frosting for an even sweeter finish.
Cook Techniques
Measuring Ingredients
Ensure accurate measurements of your ingredients for the best results. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for liquids.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
When whisking together dry ingredients, make sure they are well combined to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the cake batter.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. This results in a tender cake.
Baking Tips
Rotate your baking pan halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This helps the frosting stay in place and not melt.
Making Cream Cheese Frosting
When making the frosting, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth consistency. Gradually add powdered sugar to avoid a cloud of sugar.
Spread Frosting Evenly
Use an offset spatula to spread the maple cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake for a professional finish.
FAQ
Can I use different spices in the gingerbread cake?
Yes! Feel free to customize the spices according to your preference, but ensure to maintain the balance of flavors.
How do I store the gingerbread sheet cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the gingerbread cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How long can I keep the frosting?
The frosting can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting can be substituted with buttercream or a ganache if preferred.
What should I serve with the cake?
This gingerbread sheet cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a cozy dessert for any gathering.
Conclusion
This Gingerbread Sheet Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to share with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. Its spiced flavor profile and creamy topping embody the warmth and sweetness of the season, making any celebration more special. Whether enjoyed as a delightful centerpiece or a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is sure to impress and create lasting memories.
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream
Try transforming the gingerbread cake recipe into individual cupcakes, topped with a maple-flavored buttercream for a charming presentation.
Gingerbread Trifle
Layer pieces of the gingerbread sheet cake with maple cream cheese frosting and your favorite fruits to create a stunning and delicious gingerbread trifle.
Chocolate Drizzle Topping
For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the frosted gingerbread cake to elevate the flavors and add a touch of elegance.
Cranberry-Orange Gingerbread
Incorporate dried cranberries and orange zest into the batter for a fresh twist that pairs beautifully with the spices of gingerbread.
Gingerbread Cookies
Use the same gingerbread flavor profile to make traditional cookies for gifting or enjoying with friends, decorated with maple cream cheese icing.
Spiced Chai Gingerbread Cake
Infuse a chai spice mix into the cake batter for an aromatic experience that complements the gingerbread perfectly, creating a warm and cozy treat.
