Irresistible Gingerbread Latte Cake Recipe for Holiday Cheer

As I wrapped up my holiday shopping, the air was thick with the warm aromas of spiced treats and fresh coffee—a nostalgic backdrop that made me crave something truly special at home. Enter the Gingerbread Latte Cake Recipe, where cozy holiday spices meet the rich, comforting notes of coffee buttercream. This delightful cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a showstopper that effortlessly enhances any festive gathering. Plus, whether you serve it as a stunning layer cake, cute cupcakes, or a versatile sheet cake, it promises to be the centerpiece of joyful memories. So, are you ready to fill your kitchen with the scents of the season and create a sweet masterpiece that will wow your loved ones? Let’s dive in and whip up some holiday magic!

Why is this cake so special?

Unforgettable Flavors: This cake blends spicy gingerbread and rich coffee buttercream, creating a flavor profile that screams holiday cheer.

Versatile Treats: Whether it’s a show-stopping layer cake, delightful cupcakes, or a convenient sheet cake, you can make it your own!

Effortlessly Impressive: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll create a showstopper that impresses guests without stress.

Crowd Favorite: Its cozy flavors resonate with everyone, making it perfect for any gathering, from holiday dinners to cozy family get-togethers.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this cake in advance and store it for up to 2 days at room temperature, or freeze for festive occasions! How about complementing it with a refreshing Christmas Punch Gingerbread for a full holiday experience?

Gingerbread Latte Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

• All Purpose Flour – Essential for cake stability; substitute with cake flour for a lighter texture.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for maximum effectiveness.
• Baking Soda – Works with the acids in molasses to create lift.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Ground Ginger – Provides the signature gingerbread flavor you’ll love.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves – Add warmth and depth; adjust according to your spice preference.
• Unsalted Butter – Offers moisture and richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – Sweeten and moisten; brown sugar adds a delightful depth to the flavor.
• Large Eggs – Bind the ingredients together; bring them to room temperature for uniform mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth to the flavor; opt for pure for the best taste.
• Molasses – Deeply flavors the cake and gives it that lovely color; don’t substitute without affecting texture.
• Full Fat Buttermilk – Provides moisture for a tender crumb; can make a DIY version with vinegar and milk.

For the Coffee Buttercream

• Instant Coffee Powder – Enhances the coffee flavor in the buttercream; espresso powder works as a perfect substitute.
• Whole Milk – Helps dissolve the coffee powder seamlessly.
• Powdered Sugar – Essential for achieving a light, fluffy buttercream.

For Decorating

• Holiday Decorations (Gingerbread Marshmallows, White Chocolate Ganache, Sprinkles) – Add visual appeal and a festive touch; customize for your seasonal flair.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re one step closer to creating a beautiful Gingerbread Latte Cake that will have everyone talking this holiday season!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gingerbread Latte Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare your two 9-inch round cake pans by coating them with cooking spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your Gingerbread Latte Cake layers release easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your festive spices: ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ensure there are no lumps in the dry mixture, which will provide a balanced flavor in your cake. Set this bowl aside so you can focus on the wet ingredients next.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the Gingerbread Latte Cake, resulting in a soft and moist texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add in the large eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses to the mixed butter and sugars. Continue beating on medium speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. The batter should be creamy and smooth, allowing the rich flavors of the molasses to shine through.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, alternating between the two. Start with the dry mix and end with the buttermilk; mix until just combined without any lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as it could lead to a denser cake.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, filling each no more than two-thirds full to allow for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown with a slight spring when gently pressed.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare for Frosting
Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is vital, as frosting on warm cakes can melt the buttercream and affect the overall presentation.

Step 8: Create the Coffee Buttercream
While the cakes cool, prepare the coffee buttercream. Start by dissolving the instant coffee powder in whole milk and set this aside. In a mixing bowl, cream room temperature butter until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and the coffee mixture, mixing until smooth and creamy, with a pinch of salt for flavor.

Step 9: Frost and Set Layers
Once your cake layers have cooled, level them to create an even surface. Place one layer on a cake stand or plate and spread a generous amount of coffee buttercream on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, ensuring a beautiful and even coating.

Step 10: Decorate Your Cake
For a festive touch, add a white chocolate ganache drip around the edges of your frosted Gingerbread Latte Cake. Finally, decorate the top with piped buttercream rosettes, gingerbread marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles. This step not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the delightful flavors of the cake, perfect for any celebration.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Latte Cake

Indulge your senses with delightful pairings that elevate your Gingerbread Latte Cake to an unforgettable feast.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly buttery and fluffy, these creamy potatoes balance the spices of the cake with each comforting bite.
• Candied Carrots: Sweet and vibrant, these carrots add a pop of color and gentle sweetness to round out your festive meal.
• Spiced Honey Glazed Ham: The smoky richness of the ham complements the gingerbread perfectly, creating a harmony of flavors that’s utterly irresistible.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted sprouts offers a contrast to the cake’s sweetness, enhancing each mouthful.
• Pumpkin Soup: A warm, velvety soup with seasonal spices sets a cozy tone for your gathering, making every course feel like a comforting hug.
• Mulled Wine: This spiced, fragrant drink warms the heart and pairs wonderfully with the cake, echoing its rich holiday flavors.
• Apple Crisp: With its crunchy topping and warm spiced apples, this dessert echoes the gingerbread’s cozy profile without overshadowing its charm.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop on the side adds a delightful temperature contrast, cutting through the sweetness and adding a luscious texture.
• Gingerbread Latte: Enhance the theme with this coffee drink, adding layers of flavor and warmth to your festive gathering.
• Holiday Punch: A refreshing and fruity option that cleanses the palate while celebrating the festive season, making your dessert shine even brighter.

Expert Tips for Gingerbread Latte Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, particularly butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter for your Gingerbread Latte Cake.

• Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix your batter until just combined to prevent a dense texture. Overmixing can lead to a less fluffy cake!

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is fully baked. It should come out clean from the center, indicating it’s perfectly done.

• Cool Properly: Allow your cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This prevents them from breaking apart.

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate your decorated cake for 1-2 hours before serving. This helps firm up the buttercream and makes it easier to slice!

Gingerbread Latte Cake Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Gingerbread Latte Cake to suit your taste buds!

• Sheet Cake: Transform the recipe by reducing it to 2/3 and bake for 28-32 minutes. Perfect for a crowd or easier serving!

• Cupcakes: Change the format to cupcakes by portioning the batter into lined muffin tins and baking for just 15-18 minutes at 350°F. It results in adorable treats that are great for parties.

• Maple Buttercream: Replace the coffee flavoring with maple syrup in the buttercream for a unique twist. This adds a delightful sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the gingerbread.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra texture and flavor. The nuts provide a lovely crunch that complements the soft gingerbread layers.

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains a binding agent to maintain that dreamy texture.

• Spicy Heat: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the batter for a spiced kick. This unexpected warmth enhances the overall gingerbread flavor and livens things up!

• Frosting Alternatives: Try a cream cheese frosting instead of coffee buttercream for a tangy, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake.

• Layered with Bold Flavors: Add layers of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity contrast. The tartness balances the sweetness while adding a pop of color.

In addition to these variations, why not pair your Gingerbread Latte Cake with a refreshing Christmas Punch Gingerbread for a complete festive experience? If you have any leftovers, they can be kept fresh alongside a rich Brown Butter Cheesecake for dessert on another day! Enjoy experimenting!

How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Latte Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the gingerbread cake at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and delicious flavor.

Fridge: If you anticipate enjoying the cake for more than a couple of days, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving!

Freezer: This gingerbread latte cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To serve, allow the cake to thaw in the fridge overnight. Re-whip the coffee buttercream if needed before frosting any cut pieces. Enjoy the festive flavors of your gingerbread latte cake!

Make Ahead Options

These Gingerbread Latte Cake layers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a festive dessert without the last-minute rush! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; simply allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain moisture. The coffee buttercream can be prepared up to two weeks ahead—store it in an airtight container in the fridge, just remember to re-whip it before frosting. When you’re ready to serve, layer the cake and frost it with the chilled buttercream, giving you a stunning, holiday-ready cake with minimal effort!

Gingerbread Latte Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the Gingerbread Latte Cake?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best structure in this gingerbread latte cake. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute with cake flour, but all-purpose flour yields better overall results in this recipe.

How should I store leftover Gingerbread Latte Cake?
You can keep the gingerbread latte cake at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Be sure to let it return to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!

Can I freeze Gingerbread Latte Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight. If necessary, re-whip the coffee buttercream to ensure it’s fluffy before frosting any cut pieces.

What should I do if my cake layers sink in the middle?
If your gingerbread latte cake layers sink, it could be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake and cause sinking in the middle.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
While the original gingerbread latte cake recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can try substituting it with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately according to the package instructions to maintain the cake’s texture. Happy baking!

Can my pets have any leftovers from the Gingerbread Latte Cake?
While the cake itself is safe for human consumption, it contains ingredients like sugar and butter that aren’t ideal for pets. It’s best to keep the leftovers away from them, and instead offer them pet-friendly treats to keep them safe and happy!