Description
Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Delight brings holiday warmth with classic German flavors and intricate design. Molasses, cinnamon, and ginger weave through this festive bread, inviting friends and family to gather around a delicious centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Dry Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Whipped Cream and Garnishes:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Candied ginger slices
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Thoroughly prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meticulously coat a 9-inch Bundt or ring-shaped pan with butter and line with parchment paper to ensure effortless cake removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt, creating a harmonious blend of aromatic spices.
- Using an electric mixer, cream softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
- Gently fold molasses and pure vanilla extract into the creamy butter mixture, allowing the rich, deep flavors to meld seamlessly.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and conclude with the dry ingredients. Delicately stir in baking soda to activate the leavening process.
- Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack. Permit the cake to cool completely, enabling its flavors to develop and intensify.
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff, glossy peaks form, creating a luxurious frosting.
- Artfully pipe the whipped cream around the cake’s edges using a star-shaped piping tip. Embellish with cinnamon sticks, star anise, candied ginger slices, and fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation.
- Finish by delicately dusting the decorated cake with a light layer of powdered sugar, creating a wintery, elegant appearance.
Notes
- Create this festive gingerbread wreath during holiday seasons for a stunning centerpiece dessert that combines warm spices and elegant decoration.
- Handle molasses carefully as it can be sticky and measure precisely to achieve the perfect rich, deep flavor characteristic of traditional gingerbread.
- Choose high-quality ground spices like fresh ginger and cinnamon to enhance the cake’s aromatic complexity and ensure a vibrant taste profile.
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent whipped cream from melting and maintain the beautiful decorative piping design.
- Garnish with edible botanical elements like rosemary and star anise for a sophisticated, rustic presentation that elevates the dessert’s visual appeal.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to preserve moisture and spice intensity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg