
THIS CAFE LIFE
SPICED GINGER CAKE (GF)
Molasses, Fresh Ginger & Bourbon Cream
This gluten-free ginger cake is built for depth, not sweetness. Fresh grated ginger and blackstrap molasses create warmth and structure, while almond flour keeps the crumb tender without heaviness. The result is moist, aromatic, and balanced — the kind of cake that improves on day two and feels equally at home beside morning coffee or after-dinner bourbon.
Rustic. Fragrant. Comfort baking at its best.

Prep Time:
20 Minutes
Cook Time:
45 Minutes
Yield:
8 - 10
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 C. Gluten free flour (with xanthan)
1 C. Almond flour
2 t. Baking powder
2 t. Ground ginger
½ t. Ground cinnamon
½ t. Ground cardamom
¼ t. Ground cloves
½ t. Ground allspice
⅛ t. Salt
Wet Ingredients
2 Eggs (room temperature)
½ C. Milk (or full-fat dairy-free alternative)
¼ C. Maple syrup
⅓ C. Avocado oil
¼ C. Brown sugar
2 T. Blackstrap molasses
1 t. Ginger, fresh, grated, (packed)
1 Vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 t. vanilla extract)
Bourbon Whipped Cream
1 C. Whipping cream
2 T. Sugar
3 T. Bourbon
Tools we Reach For
Ensures a smooth, fully incorporated batter and stable whipped cream with minimal effort.
Allows clean release and professional presentation without sticking.
Promotes even cooling and prevents excess moisture from softening the cake base.
Preparation
Step 1 — Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a standard loaf pan and line with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
GF flour, almond flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
Whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute leavening — essential in gluten-free baking.
Step 3 — Build the Wet Base
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until slightly frothy.
Add milk, maple syrup, oil, brown sugar, molasses, grated ginger, and vanilla. Whisk until fully smooth and emulsified.
Step 4 — Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix. The batter should be smooth but not dense.
Let the batter rest 5–7 minutes before baking.
(This allows gluten-free flours to hydrate properly.) This step is important.
Step 5 — Bake
Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan.
Bake 40–45 minutes, until:
• Top is set and lightly domed
• A toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
• Internal temp reaches ~200°F
Cool 10 minutes in pan, then lift out and cool fully on rack.
Step 6 — Bourbon Cream
Whip cream and sugar to soft peaks.
Add bourbon gradually and continue whipping to medium peaks.
Do not overwhip — you want it spoonable, not stiff.
Texture Guidance
The finished cake should be:
• Moist but not wet
• Lightly springy
• Gently fragrant
• More warm than sweet
If it feels dense, it likely needed more bake time.
Make It Seasonal
Fall: Add chopped crystallized ginger
Winter: Finish with orange zest in the cream
Holiday: Drizzle lightly with maple glaze
Spring: Serve with macerated berries
Shop the Pantry
Great baking begins with great ingredients. A few thoughtful upgrades transform a simple ginger cake into something layered and memorable.


How We Set Our Table
Handblock Print Cotton Napkins
Walnut Wood Handle Flatware Set
Spice Collection
This cake is part of a broader rhythm — the kind of baking built on warmth, spice, and slow afternoons in the kitchen. If ginger, molasses, and cardamom are part of your cold-weather rotation, you’ll find more deeply spiced desserts and seasonal comforts in our Winter Spice Collection.
Featuring:
Ginger cake
Mulled wine
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