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Gingerbread Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

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Gingerbread cake with salted caramel buttercream is a festive and flavorful dessert featuring a warmly spiced molasses cake layered with silky, sweet-and-salty caramel frosting. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it’s rich, cozy, and utterly indulgent.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • Gingerbread Cake: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup molasses; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk
  • Salted Caramel Buttercream: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling); 2 tablespoons heavy cream; pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add molasses.
  4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Make the Buttercream: Beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in caramel sauce and heavy cream until smooth. Add sea salt if desired.
  8. Assemble: Frost one cake layer, stack the second, and frost the top and sides. Drizzle extra caramel and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Notes

  • Try cream cheese caramel frosting for a tangy variation.
  • Add toasted pecans or candied ginger for texture and flair.
  • Convert to a sheet cake or cupcakes—adjust bake time accordingly.
  • Use store-bought caramel sauce to save time.
  • Make cake layers a day ahead; assemble before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/gingerbread-cake-with-salted-caramel-buttercream/