Introduction
Gingerbread with cream cheese frosting is a classic holiday treat that is both sweet and spicy. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for something to serve at your next holiday party or just want to indulge in a delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the gingerbread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup hot water
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square baking pan. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. 3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, and mix until well combined. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 6. While the gingerbread is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. 7. Once the gingerbread has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. 8. Slice and serve, and enjoy your sweet and spicy gingerbread with cream cheese frosting!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice Calories: 340 Fat: 17g Carbohydrates: 45g Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Equipment
9-inch square baking pan Medium bowl Large bowl Electric mixer Whisk Measuring cups and spoons
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gingerbread with cream cheese frosting as a dessert after a holiday meal, or enjoy it as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Variations
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the gingerbread batter before baking. You could also experiment with different types of spices, such as cardamom or nutmeg.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you could substitute it with maple syrup or honey. You could also use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
Storage
Store your gingerbread with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
Be sure to let your gingerbread cool completely before frosting it with cream cheese frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
Notes
This recipe makes 9-12 servings, depending on how large you slice your gingerbread. You could also double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan for a larger batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the gingerbread ahead of time and frost it later? A: Yes, you can bake the gingerbread a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just wait to frost it until you’re ready to serve it. Q: Can I freeze the gingerbread with cream cheese frosting? A: It’s not recommended to freeze the gingerbread with cream cheese frosting, as the frosting may become watery or grainy when thawed.
Personal Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about gingerbread with cream cheese frosting. The warm spices and rich molasses flavor of the gingerbread pair perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting. This recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I love serving it during the holiday season or any time I want to indulge in a delicious treat. Give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it is!