Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and fluffy spiced cake texture
Warm holiday flavors in every bite
Beautiful rolled presentation
Perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations
Creamy filling balances the spices perfectly
Easier to make than it looks
Great make-ahead dessert option

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Gingerbread Cake

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

Powdered sugar
Cinnamon dusting
Crushed gingerbread cookies

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and fluffy.
Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
While still warm, carefully turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Peel away the parchment paper and gently roll the cake up with the towel from the short end.
Let the rolled cake cool completely.
For the filling, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
Roll the cake back up gently without the towel.
Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Garnish with powdered sugar or crushed gingerbread cookies before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Maple Cream Filling: Add maple syrup to the filling for extra warmth.
Chocolate Gingerbread Roll: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake.
Orange Spice Version: Add orange zest to the filling.
Caramel Gingerbread Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
Nutty Holiday Roll: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts.

Storage/Reheating

Store Gingerbread Roll Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serve chilled or allow slices to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This dessert is not intended for reheating.

You can freeze the cake tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Why did my cake crack while rolling?

Rolling the cake while it is still warm helps prevent cracking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dessert because chilling improves the texture.

What does molasses add to the cake?

Molasses gives gingerbread its deep flavor, moisture, and rich color.

Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade filling?

Yes, though homemade cream filling provides the best flavor and texture.

How do I get a clean swirl?

Spread the filling evenly and roll the cake tightly but gently.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for cakes.

Is the cake strongly spiced?

The spices are warm and balanced without being overpowering.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped pecans or walnuts work well.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

What drinks pair well with Gingerbread Roll Cake?

Coffee, chai tea, hot chocolate, or spiced cider pair beautifully with this dessert.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Roll Cake is a festive and elegant dessert filled with warm spices and creamy filling, making it perfect for the holiday season. Its soft texture, beautiful swirl, and comforting gingerbread flavor create a dessert that feels both impressive and cozy for any winter celebration.

Gingerbread Roll Cake

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Gingerbread Roll Cake is a festive dessert featuring a soft spiced gingerbread sponge rolled around a creamy filling. Packed with warm holiday spices and rich molasses flavor, this elegant cake is perfect for winter gatherings, celebrations, and cozy seasonal desserts.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and fluffy.
Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
While still warm, carefully turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Peel away the parchment paper and gently roll the cake up with the towel from the short end.
Let the rolled cake cool completely.
For the filling, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
Roll the cake back up gently without the towel.
Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Garnish with powdered sugar or crushed gingerbread cookies before serving.

Notes

Rolling the cake while warm helps prevent cracking.
Add orange zest or maple syrup to the filling for extra seasonal flavor.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month and thaw overnight before serving.
Serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature for the best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg