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Layers of cake mix gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting

Cake Mix Gingerbread

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5 from 12 reviews

Description

This scientifically-engineered recipe transforms a standard box of spice cake mix into a dense, bakery-quality gingerbread. By balancing molasses and sour cream with extra flour, you achieve a moist, velvety crumb that stands up perfectly to a rich spiced cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix, sifted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a stand mixer, combine the sifted spice cake mix, flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; whisk for 30 seconds to homogenize.
  3. Add the sour cream, water, molasses, and eggs. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute, scrape the bowl, and mix for 1 additional minute until the batter is thick and glossy.
  4. Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
  5. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
  6. Add the softened cream cheese chunks to the frosting and beat on low-medium for exactly 1 minute until just blended.

Notes

To ensure the most stable frosting, avoid overbeating once the cream cheese is added, as the fat structure can break and become runny. For a deeper flavor profile, prepare the cake layers a day in advance; the spices will further permeate the crumb as it rests. Always bring your refrigerated cake to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure the most tender mouthfeel.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cookiessweet.com/cake-mix-gingerbread/