Sweet & Spicy Caramel Ginger Cake Recipe That’ll Wow Everyone

My grandmother’s secret caramel ginger cake recipe blends warmth and sweetness in unexpected ways.

Generations of family memories swirl around this delectable dessert.

Aromatic spices dance through each tender crumb, creating magical moments at the table.

ginger subtle heat mingles with rich caramel undertones, promising an unforgettable taste experience.

Soft and moist, this cake delivers comfort with every single bite.

Baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

You can’t resist the temptation of this incredible culinary creation.

Caramel Ginger Cake Flavor Highlights

• Indulge in a warm, aromatic cake that wraps you in cozy ginger and sweet caramel flavors, perfect for those moments when you crave something deeply satisfying.
• This recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, offering simple steps and readily available ingredients that transform into a stunning dessert without requiring professional techniques.
• Delights everyone from kids to adults with its balanced sweetness and gentle spice, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend celebrations.
• Enjoy as a breakfast companion with coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, or an elegant dessert that impresses guests without complicated preparation.

Ingredients in Caramel Ginger Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.

• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: These warm spices add depth and complexity to the cake's flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Molasses: Adds a rich, dark sweetness and deepens the cake's color.
• Milk: Helps create a tender crumb and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, sweet background flavor.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, rich base for the caramel glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel flavor to the glaze.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a creamy, luxurious texture to the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the caramel glaze.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and adds depth to the glaze.

How to Make Caramel Ginger Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter, then line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until perfectly blended.

Set this magical mixture aside.

Step 3: Blend Buttery Base

In a spacious bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Crack eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Splash in molasses, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Unite Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly introduce dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Craft Luxurious Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Stir in brown sugar and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the glaze reaches a luscious consistency.

Remove from heat.

Step 7: Drench in Caramel Elegance

Once the cake has completely cooled, generously drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides.

Tips for Sweet & Spicy Ginger Cake

• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother, more evenly mixed cake batter that ensures consistent texture.
• Freshly ground spices like ginger and cinnamon will provide more intense, vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground spices sitting in your pantry.
• Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the cake's center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Allow the caramel glaze to cool slightly before pouring over the cake to prevent it from becoming too runny and sliding off completely.
• Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising its soft, tender crumb.

How to Keep Caramel Ginger Cake Fresh

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap the entire unglazed cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding caramel glaze.
• Cut cake into slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add fresh caramel glaze after reheating for extra moisture and flavor.

What Goes with Caramel Ginger Cake

• Pair with Rich Dessert Wine: Sip a glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry, its intense sweetness and raisin notes perfectly complement the cake's warm spices and caramel depth.
• Match with Creamy Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth cappuccino or latte with a touch of cinnamon, enhancing the cake's ginger and caramel flavors while providing a luxurious contrast.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: Steep a traditional masala chai tea, its blend of cardamom, ginger, and black tea creates a harmonious flavor profile that echoes the cake's warm spice notes.
• Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, its cool creaminess balancing the cake's rich caramel and spicy warmth.

Twist Ideas for Caramel Ginger Cake

• Gluten-Free Ginger Cake: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour to create a tender, moist cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Spice Cake: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a completely dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Cake: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Caramel Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the caramel glaze and swap butter with coconut oil to create a lactose-free alternative that still delivers incredible depth and smoothness.

FAQs

• What makes this cake different from other ginger cakes?

This cake combines warm spices with rich caramel glaze, creating a unique balance of sweet and spicy flavors that sets it apart from traditional ginger cakes.

• Is this cake suitable for people who don't like intense ginger flavor?

Yes, the ginger is balanced with other spices like cinnamon and cloves, making it subtle and not overpowering for those who prefer a milder ginger taste.

• Can I replace molasses if I don't have it?

While molasses provides depth and moisture, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

• How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should look smooth and well-incorporated, with no dry flour streaks visible, and have a consistent light brown color when thoroughly mixed.

Caramel Ginger Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent caramel ginger cake promises a delightful journey through warm spices and rich, golden sweetness. Delicate layers meld complex flavors, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite of this comforting dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by coating with butter and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cream softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
5. Fold in molasses, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the wet ingredients are completely integrated and create a rich, dark batter.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain the cake’s tender crumb.
7. Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking and an attractive final appearance.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Create caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then introducing brown sugar and simmering for 2 minutes.
11. Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
12. Once the cake has cooled completely, generously drizzle warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a decadent finish.

Notes

• Enhance the cake’s moisture by using room temperature ingredients, ensuring a smoother blend and softer texture.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing some brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas for a healthier version.
• Boost the ginger flavor by adding finely chopped crystallized ginger to the batter or sprinkling on top of the caramel glaze for extra zing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg