Warm & Cozy: Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe

As the air gets crisp and the days grow shorter, nothing says “cozy” like the smell of warm gingerbread baking in the oven. If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to capture that comforting feeling, this Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping is the answer. It’s rich, moist, and bursting with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. To top it all off, a buttery crumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness.

In this blog post, we’ll share everything you need to know about this amazing recipe, from frequently asked questions to tips for making it absolutely perfect. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this cake will fill your home with the most irresistible aromas and flavors.

---

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping

This gingerbread cake is more than just dessert; it’s a comforting treat that brings warmth to any occasion. With its bold spices and sweet crumb topping, it’s sure to be a favorite during the colder months. The gingerbread flavor is robust, and the texture is light yet moist. Plus, the crumb topping adds a delightful contrast to the soft cake underneath.

What makes this recipe special?
This cake isn’t just about taste. It’s simple to make, has easy-to-find ingredients, and looks stunning with its golden crumb topping. Perfect for gatherings or as a delightful weeknight treat, this cake will become a staple in your kitchen.

---

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This blend of spices gives the cake its signature gingerbread flavor.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and molasses, beating until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Pour and Top
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.

Step 7: Bake
Bake the gingerbread cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, this gingerbread cake can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

2. What Can I Serve with Gingerbread Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy contrast complements the warm spices of the gingerbread beautifully.

3. Can I Substitute Molasses?
Molasses is essential for that deep, rich gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or a combination of honey and maple syrup. Keep in mind, though, that the flavor won’t be as bold.

4. What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it with milk until you reach 1/2 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

5. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can make this gingerbread cake gluten-free by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure that the flour blend contains xanthan gum, as this will help provide the structure the cake needs to rise.

---

Why This Recipe Works

This gingerbread cake recipe works so well because it perfectly balances rich, spicy flavors with a soft, tender crumb. The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in not overmixing the batter and using buttermilk, which adds a slight tang while keeping the cake moist. The crumb topping brings sweetness and crunch, elevating the entire experience.

Another reason this recipe is a winner? It’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, this cake is always a hit.

---

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the dry and wet ingredients together just until they are combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and heavy.
• Check Your Oven: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness at around 30 minutes. You want a clean toothpick but don’t let the cake overbake, as this will make it dry.

---

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. The warm, spiced cake pairs beautifully with the buttery crumb topping, making it an irresistible treat for the holiday season or any chilly day. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it as a cozy afternoon snack, this cake is sure to brighten up any occasion.

Try this recipe today and let the aroma of gingerbread fill your home. With its easy preparation and delightful results, this cake will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for the colder months.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
• Flourless Almond Cake
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
• Apple Fritter Bread

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips delivered straight to your inbox!