Gingerbread Cake

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Turn heads and drop jaws at your next Christmas gathering with this gorgeous gingerbread cake. This cake pairs a moist gingerbread cake base with a boozy bourbon frosting. Top it off with your choice of decorated gingerbread cookies and you’re ready to go!

Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread. And nothing takes gingerbread up a notch like adding a bourbon frosting… and a whole gingerbread cake… And then topping it with delicious gingerbread cookies. It’s like gingerbread-ception but in the best possible way.

How to make gingerbread cake

First, make your cookies: To make the house cookie, it’s helpful to have a reference photo. I found the one I used on Instagram. Use your reference photo to cut out the basic shape in the dough making sure it’s the right size to fit on your cake (mine was 5″).

Once you have your design, cut out and bake your gingerbread cookies (try this homemade recipe or a store-bought mix).

When the cookies have cooled, ice them using one batch of royal icing. I wrote a detailed post about making and using royal icing a month ago, so check it out if you need some royal icing basics.

Second, make your cake: In a bowl, combine the milk and butter, and microwave using 20 second increments until you can stir the mixture smooth.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Pour into three parchment paper-lined and greased cake pans. Bake at 350F for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Third, make the frosting: In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar over high heat and bring to a boil, cooking until the sugar becomes clear. While the syrup cooks, whip your egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Pour the sugar syrup into the egg whites (with the mixer on high) and whip until cooled to room temperature.

Decrease the mixer to low, add the butter and bourbon, and continue beating on high until the frosting is thick and smooth.

Finally, put it all together: Level your cakes (if necessary) and spread a thick layer of frosting between each. Coat the outside with a thin layer (crumb coat) and allow to set up in the refrigerator.

Use the remaining frosting to cover the rest of the cake. Add sprinkles, “glue” your cookies to wooden skewers with a little white chocolate, and decorate!

How to make and frost the perfect cake

Cake making and decorating is easy when you know how! Here are the tips you need to do it like a pro.

• Measure your batter: Making even layers of cake start with measuring your batter. For this recipe, that means about roughly 9.3oz of batter per pan (for three pans).
• Chill your cake: Cool cake is easier to cut and handle, so chilling your cake for a short while before use will make this process easier.
• Crumb coat: Spreading a thin layer of frosting around the sides and top of the cake, and then refrigerating it will lock in any crumbs and keep them from reaching the surface of your frosted cake.
• The trick for smooth frosting: You’ll need a rotating cake stand and a bench scraper. Place the small end of the bench scraper on the cake stand, long end against the frosting and turn the table. Once excess frosting is removed, heat the scraper in hot water, wipe and drag around the outside of the cake.
• Storage: This cake will keep at room temperature, uncut, for 3-4 days. For best results, cover it with a plastic lid, bowl or place it in a cardboard box. This is easiest if you don’t add the cookies until you’re ready to serve.
• Storing cut cake: Once your cake is cut, you’ll want to protect the exposed cake area. The easiest way to do this is with a piece of plastic wrap or two.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it went in the comments below. Better still, snap a photo and tag it on Instagram with #thesimplesweetlife. I love seeing your creations!

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Did you make this recipe? You might also like…

• Caramel macchiato cake
• How to create a Christmas cookie board
• Reindeer cake

Update Notes: This post was originally published in December of 2014 but was republished with step by step photos and tips in December of 2018.

Oh yay! You made it all the way to the bottom. High five!

So you probably noticed that this is in updated version of an older recipe from my blog. And maybe that has you wondering what the cake originally looked (or maybe not… I’m no mind reader). Was it pretty? Did she even know how to use a decent camera?? That would be a no and no.

And as much as I hate to share my cringy, old photos, I also appreciate the glimpse at growth it allows and the opportunity to remind you: Seriously guys, if I can do it, ANYONE can. Here’s a little glimpse at the original cake.

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