There’s something utterly cozy about the aroma of ginger and spices filling the kitchen, especially when it’s coming from a rich Gingerbread Bundt Cake topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. One chilly afternoon, craving that perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, I whipped up this cake—and it instantly became a favorite. What I love most: it’s wonderfully moist, bursts with classic holiday spices, and the cream cheese glaze adds just the right tangy finish. Whether you’re baking for family, a festive gathering, or just treating yourself away from the usual fast food routine, this recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—and it’s surprisingly simple to make!
Why choose Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze?
Cozy flavors that instantly evoke holiday warmth, blending ginger, cinnamon, and cloves perfectly. Moist and tender texture thanks to the bundt pan’s unique shape for even baking. Cream cheese glaze adds the ideal tangy sweetness contrast. Easy to make with straightforward ingredients and simple steps. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting homemade treat that beats fast food any day!
Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cake
- All-purpose flour – provides the sturdy yet tender base every Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze needs.
- Brown sugar – adds deep molasses flavor and keeps the cake moist and rich.
- Molasses – the heart of gingerbread, delivering warmth and that classic dark sweetness.
- Ground ginger – gives a zesty bite that brightens the cake’s spice profile.
- Ground cinnamon – a cozy staple that complements ginger perfectly.
- Ground cloves – just a pinch adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
- Baking soda – helps the cake rise beautifully with a soft crumb.
- Salt – balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Eggs – bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Buttermilk – tenderizes the cake and adds slight tang for flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter – melted for a silky, rich texture and buttery aroma.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Cream cheese – silky and tangy, the star ingredient that makes the glaze irresistibly smooth.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the glaze for perfect drizzling.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the glaze’s flavor with warm, mellow notes.
- Milk – thins the glaze just enough for easy pouring and glossy finish.
How to Make Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan, tapping out excess flour for an even, golden crust.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until uniformly blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs with buttermilk and melted butter until smooth, then stir into the dry mixture for a glossy, uniform batter.
- Fill Pan & Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Allow another 30 minutes to come to room temperature before glazing.
For the Glaze:
- Beat Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until silky-smooth and slightly pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Place the cooled bundt on a serving plate. Slowly drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a gorgeous, glossy finish.
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra holiday sparkle.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Room Temperature: Store any leftover Gingerbread Bundt Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it away from direct sunlight to maintain moisture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, ensuring it’s well-protected. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, gently microwave each piece for about 10-15 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with glaze before serving for an extra touch!
Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful variations that enhance the already familiar flavors!
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Spice it Up: Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. It beautifully complements the other spices.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking. They’ll give your cake a lovely texture and delightful crunch.
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Citrus Zest: Stir in the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing twist that pairs wonderfully with the gingerbread spices.
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Mini Bundt Cakes: Divide the batter into smaller mini bundt pans and adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. They make perfect individual servings!
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Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of buttermilk and swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative. Everyone can enjoy this festive treat!
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Chocolate Glaze: Melt dark chocolate with a splash of cream for a decadent glaze. The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.
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Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the cream cheese glaze, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for a sweet, indulgent contrast that’s perfect for special occasions.
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Add a Kick: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising hint of heat that enhances the flavor profile and warms you up!
Experiment with these variations to find your own favorite twist on this holiday classic!
What to Serve with Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze?
Indulging in a slice of warm gingerbread cake creates the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal, as the spice and sweetness interlace beautifully with delightful accompaniments.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of cocoa spiked with cinnamon enhances the cozy vibe of gingerbread while balancing sweetness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a soft, creamy texture that contrasts the dense cake, making every bite feel indulgent.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cake provides a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the ginger and spice.
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Roasted Apples with Cinnamon: The natural sweetness of roasted apples complements the rich flavors of the cake and introduces a lovely fruity element.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Melting a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top brings a delightful creaminess that enhances the gingerbread bliss while creating a beautiful temperature contrast.
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Chai Tea: The complex spices of chai tea echo those in the cake, making it an aromatic drink that elevates your dessert experience.
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Pecan Pie: Pairing the cake with a slice of pecan pie balances the rich flavors while adding another layer of sweet indulgence to your dessert lineup.
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Nutty Coffee: A cup of nut-flavored coffee ties the spices in the cake together, allowing the warming notes to linger deliciously on your palate.
These delightful options will ensure your gingerbread bundt cake is enjoyed in the company of food and drink that celebrates the warmth and coziness of home cooking!
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth batter and even baking, bring eggs, butter, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined; overmixing can make the cake dense instead of tender and moist.
- Grease the Bundt Pan Thoroughly: Use a butter and flour combo or baking spray to prevent the cake from sticking to every intricate curve.
- Check Doneness Early: Start testing with a toothpick at 40 minutes; overbaking dries out the Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze.
- Cool Cake Before Glazing: Make sure the cake is completely cool to avoid the glaze melting or sliding off unevenly.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add milk gradually to achieve a pourable but thick glaze that beautifully coats the cake without running off too fast.
Make Ahead Options
These Gingerbread Bundt Cakes with Cream Cheese Glaze are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the cake itself up to 3 days in advance and simply store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature to maintain its moistness. The cream cheese glaze can be prepared up to 24 hours before serving—just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, let the glaze sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften, then drizzle it over the cooled bundt. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready with minimal last-minute effort, making busy weeknights feel a touch more special.
Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my molasses and spices are fresh enough for the Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze?
Molasses should be thick and dark with no separation or off odors; fresh spices smell warm and aromatic—if your ginger, cinnamon, or cloves have little scent or look faded, it’s time for fresh ones to ensure vibrant flavor in your cake.
Can I store leftover Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze at room temperature?
Absolutely! Keep it in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. It will stay moist and tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying as a cozy snack without needing refrigeration.
What’s the best way to freeze this Gingerbread Bundt Cake?
Definitely worth freezing! Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently. This method preserves moisture and spice richness beautifully.
I baked the cake, but it came out dry—what did I do wrong?
Don’t worry, it happens! Dryness usually comes from overbaking or overmixing the batter. To avoid this, start checking doneness at 40 minutes with a toothpick, and stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are moistened to keep that tender, moist crumb.
Is this cake safe for pets or people with dairy allergies?
This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk, butter, cream cheese), so it’s not safe for pets or anyone with dairy allergies. For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and swap buttermilk for a mixture of almond milk and lemon juice.
Irresistible Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan, tapping out excess flour for an even, golden crust.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until uniformly blended.
- In another bowl, beat eggs with buttermilk and melted butter until smooth, then stir into the dry mixture for a glossy, uniform batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Allow another 30 minutes to come to room temperature before glazing.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until silky-smooth and slightly pourable.
- Place the cooled bundt on a serving plate. Slowly drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a gorgeous, glossy finish.
