Best 9 Lightened Up Gingerbread Cake Recipes

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If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy the classic flavors of gingerbread without sacrificing taste, then you've come to the right place. This lightened-up version of gingerbread cake is made with whole wheat flour, honey, and less butter than traditional recipes, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake that's sure to please everyone at your holiday table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

OLD FASHIONED GINGERBREAD CAKE



Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake image

This is the easiest gingerbread cake you'll ever make and the best tasting too. The texture is excellent. A family favourite.

Provided by Crosby's Molasses

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup soft butter
¾ cup Crosby's Fancy Molasses
1 egg
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
3 Tbsp. Crosby's Fancy Molasses
1 cup plus 3 Tbsp. 35% cream (whipping cream)
1 tsp. pure vanilla

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F
  • Grease and flour an 8"x 8" square pan (or line the pan with parchment paper.) *
  • Sift together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Add the butter, molasses and egg and beat for two minutes or 300 strokes by hand. (This is a very old recipe...)
  • Add the boiling water.
  • Beat for another two minutes and turn into prepared pan.
  • Bake 50-55 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

LIGHTER GINGERBREAD



Lighter gingerbread image

This dark and sticky ginger cake is made healthier with naturally sweet dates, buttermilk and plenty of cinnamon and fresh ginger

Provided by Angela Nilsen

Categories     Afternoon tea, Buffet, Dessert, Snack, Treat

Time 1h15m

Yield Cuts into 21 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 12

140g dried pitted whole dates preferably Medjool, chopped into small pieces
75ml rapeseed oil , plus a few drops for greasing
75g black treacle
50g maple syrup
1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
1 large egg
175ml buttermilk
250g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tbsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
50g dark muscovado sugar

Steps:

  • Put the dates in a small bowl and pour over 125ml of boiling water. Leave to cool for 30 mins. Lightly oil a 28 x 19 x 3cm traybake tin, then line the base with baking parchment.
  • Meanwhile, put the oil, black treacle, maple syrup and freshly grated ginger in a bowl and beat together with a fork to mix well. Set aside. Beat the egg in a small bowl and stir in the buttermilk. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, cinnamon and sugar - rub the mixture between your fingers to break down any lumpy bits of sugar. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3.
  • Blend the dates and their liquid to a thick purée in a small food processor. Pour the egg, the dates and the treacle mixture into the bowl with the flour. Stir together briefly with a wooden spoon just until well mixed - the mixture will be soft like a thick batter. Pour it into the lined tin, gently level the mixture and bake for 40-45 mins. To test if it's done, insert a skewer in the centre - if the skewer comes out clean with no uncooked mixture on it, and the cake feels firm but springy to the touch, it should be done.
  • Leave in the tin for a few mins before removing to a wire rack, peeling off the parchment and leaving to cool completely. If you can wait, wrap it well in parchment, then foil. Leave for a day before cutting, as it will become stickier - it will keep moist for 3-4 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 4.1 grams fat, SaturatedFat 0.4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 17.5 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8.6 grams sugar, Fiber 0.7 grams fiber, Protein 2 grams protein, Sodium 0.2 milligram of sodium

GINGERBREAD CAKE



Gingerbread Cake image

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Categories     Cake     Milk/Cream     Ginger     Dessert     Bake     Christmas     Kid-Friendly     Lemon     Winter     Cinnamon     Christmas Eve     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" pieces
1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1/2 cup mild-flavored (light) molasses
1 large egg, beaten to blend
2 teaspoons grated peeled ginger
Topping:
1 cup chilled heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/4 cup store-bought lemon curd
Finely grated lemon zest
Special Equipment
An 8" square metal cake pan

Steps:

  • For cake:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat pan with nonstick spray. Line bottom with parchment paper; spray paper. Whisk flour and next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Place butter in a large bowl. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over; whisk until melted. Whisk in sugar and next 3 ingredients. Add dry ingredients; whisk to blend. Transfer to prepared pan.
  • Bake until a tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack; let cool. Remove parchment.
  • For topping:
  • Beat cream and sugar in a medium bowl until firm peaks form. Fold in curd, leaving swirls. Spread over cake. Garnish with zest.

GINGERBREAD CAKE WITH LEMON GLAZE



Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze image

If you're looking for a new addition to your holiday dessert table, I hope you give this a try. Enjoy!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
½ cup white sugar
½ cup dark molasses
½ cup vegetable oil
1 egg, beaten
½ cup boiling water
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
  • Whisk flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and Chinese five-spice powder in a bowl.
  • Stir sugar, molasses, oil, and egg into flour mixture until just combined.
  • Pour in boiling water and whisk until the batter is smooth and shiny, about 1 minute.
  • Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Tap pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
  • Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until sugar dissolves.
  • Pour lemon juice mixture over cake while cake is still hot. Spread the mixture around with a spatula to ensure even distribution. Let cake cool completely before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 354.6 calories, Carbohydrate 57.5 g, Cholesterol 20.7 mg, Fat 13.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 384.4 mg, Sugar 35.2 g

LIGHT GINGERBREAD CAKE



Light Gingerbread Cake image

This is a lighter version of a gingerbread cake. Instead of 1 1/2- 2 Cups flour, this recipe only requires 1/2 Cup.

Provided by Stacey Sweet

Categories     Dessert

Time 55m

Yield 1 9

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup butter
1 cup molasses
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl cream together the butter, molasses, brown sugar and cinnamon until light.
  • Dissolve the baking soda in 1 Cup of boiling water. Add to creamed butter mixture.
  • Add flour and eggs.
  • Pour batter into a greased and floured 9" round baking pan and bake at 325F for 30-35 minutes.

OLD-FASHIONED GINGERBREAD CAKE



Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake image

This Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake has been a staple on Christmas dessert tables for generations!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h7m

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
¾ cup milk
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger ((or up to 1 tablespoon for a stronger flavor))
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Optional, for serving: powdered sugar; whipped cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square cake pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with cooking spray as well, and then set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the butter and milk. Heat over medium-high, just until the butter is melted and bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Whisk in the brown sugar until dissolved. Remove from the heat and cool.
  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
  • Stir the egg into the cooled butter mixture.
  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the butter mixture. Stir just until a smooth batter forms, being careful not to over-mix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
  • Dust cooled cake with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 slice, Calories 258.7 kcal, Carbohydrate 37.7 g, Protein 3.6 g, Fat 11.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Cholesterol 49.8 mg, Sodium 299.7 mg, Fiber 0.9 g, Sugar 22.4 g, UnsaturatedFat 3.4 g

LIGHTENED UP GINGERBREAD CAKE



Lightened up Gingerbread Cake image

A delicious spicy, very moist almost sponge-like sweet cake. Very good as is, with ice cream, or iced.

Provided by LUv 2 BaKE

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
1/2 cup hot water
1 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, molasses, and egg.
  • In a glass measuring cup measure 1/2 cup hot water (or heat up cool water in the microwave until hot but not boiling).
  • Add the baking soda to the hot water, stir.
  • Add the soda and water mixture to the bowl of ingredients. Stir until mixed.
  • Pour batter into a lightly greased 9X9" baking dish.
  • Bake at 350F for 30 - 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 103.1, Fat 0.7, SaturatedFat 0.2, Cholesterol 18.6, Sodium 137.9, Carbohydrate 22.8, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 11.3, Protein 2.1

GLAZED GINGERBREAD CAKE



Glazed Gingerbread Cake image

This is a favorite dessert during the holidays and at special occasions. I've tried creating a glaze of some sort to drizzle over this moist, flavorful cake, but have found that it's delicious as is. A tall glass of cold milk is the only addition I'd suggest.-Edith Ekstedt, Paso Robles, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

CAKE:
1 cup raisins
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/3 cup each strong brewed coffee and orange juice
2 tablespoons water
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, mace and nutmeg
GLAZE:
2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 10-in. fluted tube pan. Place raisins in a small bowl; add boiling water to cover and let stand 5 minutes. Drain., In a large bowl, whisk molasses, brown sugar, oil, coffee, orange juice and water until blended. In a small bowl, beat eggs on high speed 3-4 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. In another bowl, whisk remaining cake ingredients. Add to molasses mixture alternately with eggs, mixing just until combined. Fold in raisins. , Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake). Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. , In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Pour over cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 452 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 163mg sodium, Carbohydrate 88g carbohydrate (56g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

UPSIDE DOWN PEAR GINGERBREAD CAKE



Upside Down Pear Gingerbread Cake image

Delicious, yet easy to make. The perfect dessert for a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.

Provided by blondiegreen

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Upside-Down Cake Recipes

Time 2h5m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 (29 ounce) can pear halves, well drained
½ cup white sugar
½ cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a bowl, lightly mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  • Place 1/4 cup of butter into a 10-inch springform pan, put it in the oven, and allow to melt for a minute or two. Sprinkle the melted butter evenly with brown sugar. Pat the pear halves dry with paper towels, and cut each half into 3 slices lengthwise. Arrange the pear slices in a spiral pattern on top of the brown sugar. Without disturbing the arranged slices, spray the inside walls of the pan with cooking spray.
  • Beat the white sugar and 1/2 cup of butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until creamy; beat in the egg, then mix in the molasses. Mix the flour mixture into the molasses mixture, then stir in the hot water. Pour the batter into the springform pan on top of the pear slices.
  • Bake the cake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completely in the pan before inverting on a serving dish and removing pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.3 calories, Carbohydrate 62.7 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 3.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 357.6 mg, Sugar 34.7 g

Tips:

  • Use light ingredients: To lighten up your gingerbread cake, use ingredients like Greek yogurt, applesauce, or mashed banana instead of butter or oil. These ingredients will add moisture and flavor to your cake without adding a lot of fat.
  • Reduce the amount of sugar: Gingerbread is typically a sweet cake, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in your recipe without sacrificing flavor. Try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or simply reduce the amount of granulated sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
  • Add spices: Gingerbread is all about the spices! Be sure to use a generous amount of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You can also add other spices like cardamom, allspice, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make your cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, then stop. You may even have a few small lumps in your batter, and that's okay.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached: Overbaking will dry out your cake. If you're not sure if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, it's done.

Conclusion:

Lightened-up gingerbread cake is a delicious and festive treat that's perfect for the holidays. It's moist, flavorful, and has all the classic gingerbread spices. Plus, it's made with healthier ingredients, so you can feel good about indulging. So next time you're craving a gingerbread cake, give this lightened-up version a try. You won't be disappointed!

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