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Cinnamon Molasses Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

This moist and aromatic cake features warm spices and rich molasses, topped with a luscious Cinnamon Molasses Frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings or anytime you crave a flavorful spiced dessert with a smooth, creamy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients for Cake

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. This blends the spices evenly throughout the cake.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is important to incorporate air for a tender texture.
  4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next for a smooth mixture.
  5. Incorporate Molasses: Gradually add the molasses to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. This gives the cake its rich, deep flavor.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the hot water and buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  7. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Cream Butter for Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  11. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth frosting base.
  12. Add Molasses and Cinnamon: Mix in the molasses and ground cinnamon until evenly combined into the frosting.
  13. Adjust Consistency: Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreading consistency. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
  14. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
  15. Decorate: Decorate the frosted cake with sprinkles, candied ginger, or a light dusting of cinnamon as desired.
  16. Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon molasses cake!

Notes

  • Ensure the cake has completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
  • For a deeper molasses flavor, try using blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • If you want a dairy-free frosting option, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use plant-based milk instead.

Keywords: Cinnamon Molasses Frosting, Spiced Cake, Molasses Cake, Homemade Frosting, Winter Dessert, Holiday Cake, Spiced Dessert

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/cinnamon-molasses-frosting-recipe/