Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze

Chef John's gingerbread cake recipe includes a simple sweet lemon glaze for a delightful addition on any holiday dessert table!

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 355 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.25 cup lemon juice
• 0.5 cup boiling water
• 1.6666667461395 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.25 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 0.5 cup dark molasses

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch square baking pan.

Step 3

Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 4

Pour lemon juice mixture over cake while cake is still hot. Spread mixture around with a spatula to ensure even distribution.

Step 5

Let cake cool completely before serving.

Step 6

Whisk flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and Chinese five-spice powder together in a bowl. Stir in sugar, molasses, oil, and egg until just combined. Pour in boiling water; whisk until batter is smooth and shiny, about 1 minute.

Step 7

Meanwhile, make the lemon glaze: Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl until sugar dissolves.