Gingerbread Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients for Cake Layers:

• 315 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour

• 150 g (¾ cup) dark brown sugar

• ¾ tsp baking powder

• ¾ tsp baking soda

• ¾ tsp salt

• 2 ½ tsp ground ginger

• 2 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• 1 tsp ground allspice

• 165 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) unsulphured molasses or dark syrup

• 360 g (1 ½ cups) sour cream (14-18%, room temperature)

• 110 g (½ cup) vegetable oil (e.g., avocado or canola)

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

  
  

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, room temperature

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the molasses, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid over mixing.

5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat on low until combined. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat on medium speed until fluffy.

7. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the remaining layer, spreading frosting on the top and sides of the cake.

8. Decorate and Serve: Decorate as desired and chill for 20-30 minutes before slicing for clean layers. Serve and enjoy!

   
   

Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.