Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for that perfect cozy holiday treat, you’re going to adore this Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe. It’s warm, fragrant, and not too sweet—exactly the kind of cake that feels like a hug on a chilly day. I absolutely love how this cake comes together with those rich molasses notes and a medley of spices, making it both comforting and festive. Stick around because I’ll share all my little tips to get you baking one of the most crowd-pleasing gingerbread cakes ever.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I always find that the magic of this Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe starts with quality ingredients that bring out the warm flavors and amazing texture. Getting your spices fresh and molasses dark really makes a difference—trust me, it’s worth seeking out.

• All-purpose flour: Your cake’s foundation—make sure it’s fresh for best rise and crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake a nice lift along with baking soda.
• Ground ginger: The star spice! Use fresh ground for the best punch.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds deep warmth and richness.
• Ground cloves: Just a little for that classic gingerbread depth.
• Ground nutmeg: A subtle note that rounds out the spice profile.
• Salt: Enhances all those sweet and spicy flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for creaming—it’s vital for that tender crumb.
• Dark brown sugar: Packed with molasses; it keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moistness.
• Molasses: Use unsulphured dark molasses for rich, robust flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens the spices beautifully.
• Buttermilk: Adds tender moisture and helps activate baking soda.
• Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk to give lightness to this dense cake.
• Heavy cream (for frosting): Chilled for whipping—make sure it’s cold for best peaks.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
• Decorations: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, candied ginger slices, and fresh rosemary sprigs—these add charm and aroma.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): Just a dusting for that snowy winter look.

Variations

One of the joys of this Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe is how well it takes to little tweaks – I love making it my own depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Plus, it’s a forgiving recipe that lets you play with flavors seamlessly.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: I discovered this swap when I wanted a tangy twist, and it’s a hit every time, giving the cake a velvety richness that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well; just make sure it contains xanthan gum to keep that perfect structure.
• Spice Mix Customization: Sometimes I like to add a pinch of cardamom or a little orange zest to brighten up the flavors.
• Nut Addition: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the batter for extra texture and holiday flair.

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining your 9-inch Bundt or ring-shaped pan with parchment paper is key to getting the cake out cleanly—don’t skip this step! I like to grease the pan thoroughly, then cut a circle of parchment to line the bottom. This little prep work saves you from a crumbly mess later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. I usually do this separately to make sure the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed—this helps achieve that perfect, balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This can take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer; I like to do this step well because it creates a lovely airy texture in the final cake. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to keep things smooth. Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract—your kitchen will smell amazing right here!

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients, Add Buttermilk and Baking Soda

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix to make sure the batter stays balanced. Finally, stir in the baking soda, which will react with the buttermilk for a tender crumb. Don’t overmix here—just combine until you don’t see flour anymore to keep the cake light.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. I always start checking around 35 minutes to avoid overbaking. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps it set so it won’t break—then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Whip the Cream Frosting

To make the whipped cream frosting, use a chilled bowl and beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Keep a close eye because overwhipping can turn it into butter—been there, done that. The result should be smooth, fluffy, and perfect for piping.

Step 7: Decorate Your Wreath Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, pipe the whipped cream around the edges using a star-shaped tip. Then, have fun decorating with cinnamon sticks, star anise, candied ginger slices, and rosemary sprigs. These little touches not only make it look gorgeous but add layers of aroma that wow guests. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy effect—I always say this step seals the festive vibe!

How to Serve Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this cake, I tend to keep the garnishes classic and seasonal. Cinnamon sticks and star anise not only look beautiful but fill the air with warmth. I’m a big fan of fresh rosemary sprigs because they add a lovely green contrast and a subtle pine scent reminiscent of the holidays. The candied ginger slices provide a nice chewy texture and a sweet-spicy punch that guests always comment on.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a simple cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa. For larger gatherings, I like to have a cheese board with mild cheeses and fruit to complement the gingerbread spices. Apple cider is another seasonal favorite that your guests will appreciate alongside this festive treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve decorated this cake on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by pinecones and fairy lights for an extra cozy feel. Sometimes I build a “wreath” effect with small clusters of cranberries and rosemary around the cake base. If you’re packing it as a gift, wrapping it in clear cellophane with a twine bow and a sprig of fresh rosemary adds a charming handmade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover pieces covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. The whipped cream frosting means it should stay chilled, and this cake holds up beautifully for up to 3 days without drying out. Before serving leftovers, I recommend bringing slices to room temperature for the best flavor and softness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this cake, I suggest baking the cake without frosting first. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and whip fresh cream to decorate—this keeps everything tasting fresh and not soggy.

Reheating

I generally don’t recommend reheating the frosted cake due to the whipped cream, but if you want to warm up just a plain slice, 10-15 seconds in the microwave with a little cover does wonders. Just add whipped cream fresh before serving to maintain that heavenly texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake Recipe has become a holiday treasure in my kitchen. It’s got the soul-warming spices you crave and the kind of moist, tender crumb that makes everyone come back for seconds. What I love most is how approachable it is—you don’t have to be a pro to nail this, and the festive presentation makes it extra special. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to make memories (and maybe a little mess) with this outstanding cake. You’re going to love sharing it as much as I love baking it!

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