This Classic Gingerbread Cake is a timeless dessert that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses. Moist and tender with just the right balance of spices, this cake is perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a comforting slice. Topped with a simple glaze or enjoyed plain, it’s a wonderfully satisfying treat that captures the essence of fall and winter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves create a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
Deep Molasses Flavor – Adds sweetness and a beautiful dark color.
Moist and Tender – A perfect crumb that’s not too dense or dry.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps for a delicious homemade cake.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine applesauce, molasses, brown sugar, egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine and Stir
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Let cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 160
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Tips for Success
- Use Good Quality Molasses – It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Add a Glaze – A simple lemon or vanilla glaze complements the spices beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
Using applesauce and Greek yogurt keeps the cake moist and lowers fat content without sacrificing flavor. The combination of warm spices and molasses creates a classic gingerbread taste that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
This Classic Gingerbread Cake is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee on a crisp day. Its moist texture and rich spices bring comfort and warmth to any table, making it a favorite for holidays and everyday indulgences alike.
Classic Gingerbread Cake – Warm, Spiced, and Comfortingly Moist
12
servings15
minutes35
minutes160
kcalA moist and warmly spiced gingerbread cake made with molasses, applesauce, and Greek yogurt for a tender crumb. Perfectly balanced flavors and easy to prepare, this classic dessert is ideal for festive occasions or cozy moments at home.
Ingredients
1½ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup molasses
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine applesauce, molasses, brown sugar, egg, Greek yogurt, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. - Combine and Stir
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. - Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool and Serve
Let cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze.
Notes
- Use Good Quality Molasses – It makes a big difference in flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Add a Glaze – A simple lemon or vanilla glaze complements the spices beautifully.