Regal Gingerbread
A warm, spiced gingerbread cake with rich molasses flavor, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy dessert moments, appealing to those who love bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, blend all ingredients: yellow cake mix, vanilla instant pudding, gingerbread or pumpkin pie spice, cold tea, safflower oil, and molasses.
- Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Pour batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes for a 13 x 9-inch pan, or 50 to 60 minutes for a Bundt pan.
- When done, lightly brush with melted butter.
- Remove from the pan only if using a Bundt pan.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with whipped cream if desired.
- For a layered effect, slice the cake horizontally and fill with whipped topping and powdered sugar.
- You can also bake in a 10 x 15 x 1-inch jelly roll pan for thinner slices, reducing baking time by about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using blackstrap molasses instead of light molasses. If you don't have safflower oil, canola or vegetable oil works well too. The recipe can be modified for a spicier version by adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg. Ensure your tea is brewed strong for the best results. You can also experiment with gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
This gingerbread pairs beautifully with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. For festive occasions, consider slicing the cake into layers and filling with whipped topping for an elegant display.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Regal Gingerbread contains roughly 462 calories, with 2g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for a more pronounced gingerbread flavor. Chocolate cake mix could also work for an interesting twist, but it will change the overall flavor profile of the dish.
How can I make this recipe more festive for the holidays?
To enhance the holiday spirit, add chopped candied ginger or dried cranberries to the batter. You can also decorate the finished cake with festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make it more visually appealing for holiday gatherings.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make this gingerbread vegan, substitute the yellow cake mix with a vegan cake mix, use a plant-based milk instead of tea, and replace the safflower oil with an equal amount of melted coconut oil. Ensure that the pudding mix is also dairy-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).