Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

Name: Chocolate Gingerbread Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ cup dark molasses; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Published: December 24, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

This incredible Chocolate Gingerbread Cake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chocolate Gingerbread Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and better texture.
Cocoa Powder: Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
Ground Ginger: Freshly ground ginger adds a punch; if using dried, ensure it’s fresh for optimal flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances warmth in the cake; use Ceylon cinnamon if you prefer a sweeter touch.
Molasses: Dark molasses gives depth and sweetness; avoid blackstrap variety as it’s too bitter.
Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Baking Soda: This is essential for helping the cake rise perfectly without being too dense.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture.
Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the cake moist without adding extra flavor; can substitute with melted butter if desired.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings all flavors together beautifully; avoid imitation versions if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chocolate Gingerbread Cake:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, prepare a round cake pan by greasing it with nonstick spray or butter and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. The smell alone should get you excited!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together eggs, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine these wet ingredients with the dry mixture gradually until fully blended.

Step 4: Pour Batter Into Pan

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared cake pan. Don’t worry about licking the spoon—this part is essential!

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked to perfection, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice generously and serve either plain or topped with whipped cream or ganache.

Enjoy your Chocolate Gingerbread Cake at gatherings or during quiet evenings at home—trust me; one slice won’t be enough!

You Must Know About Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

This showstopping Chocolate Gingerbread Cake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by baking your chocolate gingerbread cake first to let it cool while preparing the frosting. Whip up the frosting in a separate bowl and chill it briefly. Finally, assemble the cake layers with frosting and decorate as desired for maximum impact.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your chocolate gingerbread cake by swapping in dark chocolate for a richer flavor or adding spices like nutmeg and cardamom for extra warmth. You can also drizzle caramel or include nuts for an exciting twist that will leave taste buds dancing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chocolate gingerbread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months. Simply thaw before serving!

Chef's Helpful Tips for Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

This professional-quality Chocolate Gingerbread Cake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Nothing warms the heart quite like the time my friends devoured this chocolate gingerbread cake at my holiday party, leaving only crumbs behind and demanding I make it again next year!

FAQs

What is Chocolate Gingerbread Cake?

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate flavor and the warm spices typically found in gingerbread. This cake combines molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa powder to create a moist and flavorful dessert. The unique blend of spices gives it a festive aroma, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Often topped with a creamy frosting or dusted with powdered sugar, this cake offers a delicious twist on the traditional gingerbread experience.

How do I store Chocolate Gingerbread Cake?

To store Chocolate Gingerbread Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. For extended storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Can I make Chocolate Gingerbread Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chocolate Gingerbread Cake ahead of time! In fact, letting the cake sit for a day allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Bake the cake a day or two before your event and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can frost it just before serving for the best presentation and taste. This makes it an excellent option for holiday parties or special occasions.

What are some variations of Chocolate Gingerbread Cake?

There are several delicious variations of Chocolate Gingerbread Cake that you can try! You might add chocolate chips for extra richness or incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. For a festive touch, consider adding orange zest or chopped crystallized ginger. You can also experiment with different frostings; cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the cake’s flavors, while ganache adds a decadent layer of chocolate goodness.

Conclusion

In summary, Chocolate Gingerbread Cake combines rich chocolate with warm spices for an unforgettable dessert experience. This delightful cake is easy to store and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for any occasion. With various ways to customize your recipe, this cake promises to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply indulging in something sweet, Chocolate Gingerbread Cake will surely become a favorite in your home.

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