Gingerbread Wreath Cake

I first encountered a gingerbread wreath cake at a Christmas market in Germany, where a tiny bakery stall had the most gorgeous festive cakes displayed in their window. The baker, a cheerful woman with flour-dusted hands, explained how she transformed traditional gingerbread into something spectacular for the holidays. I was mesmerized by how the simple bundt shape became a canvas for edible art. When I returned home, I was determined to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. I experimented with different gingerbread recipes until I found the perfect balance of spices—not too aggressive with the ginger, but warm and inviting with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The molasses gives it that deep, complex sweetness that makes gingerbread so addictive. What I love most is how the cream cheese frosting cuts through the richness of the spiced cake, providing a tangy contrast that keeps each bite interesting. The decorating process has become my favorite part—there's something meditative about piping those rosettes in a circular pattern, then strategically placing the dried oranges and cinnamon sticks. Each cake turns out slightly different, which I find charming rather than frustrating. It's a recipe that looks incredibly impressive but is actually quite forgiving, making it perfect for home bakers who want to create something special without culinary school training.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it captures everything I love about holiday baking—it's aromatic, beautiful, delicious, and brings people together. There's something magical about the way those warm spices fill your home, creating an instant cozy atmosphere that says "celebration" without saying a word. I love that this cake looks like you spent hours on it, when in reality, the actual work is straightforward and manageable. The gingerbread itself is incredibly forgiving—it stays moist for days and actually tastes better the day after baking once the flavors have melded together. I appreciate recipes that reward you for planning ahead! The cream cheese frosting is my go-to because it pipes beautifully and holds its shape, but it's also tangy enough to balance the sweet, spiced cake. What really makes this recipe special, though, is how it becomes a conversation piece. Every time I serve it, people gather around, taking photos, asking questions, sharing their own holiday baking memories. It creates this wonderful moment of connection that's exactly what the holidays should be about. Plus, I love that I can customize the decorations based on what I have available—sometimes I add sugared cranberries, other times fresh rosemary, and it always looks stunning. This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel proud to be a baker.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cake; measure by spooning into the cup and leveling off for accuracy
• Ground ginger: The star spice that gives this cake its signature warm, slightly spicy flavor
• Molasses: Provides deep, rich sweetness and that characteristic dark color; use unsulfured molasses for best flavor
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices beautifully
• Buttermilk: Creates a tender, moist crumb and reacts with baking soda for perfect rise
• Cream cheese: The base of the tangy frosting that balances the sweet, spiced cake
• Dried orange slices: Beautiful festive garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle citrus aroma
• Cinnamon sticks: Decorative and aromatic garnish that reinforces the warm spice theme

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Workspace

Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your bundt pan by greasing it thoroughly—this is crucial for a clean release. Having everything measured and ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable, letting you focus on creating rather than scrambling for ingredients.

Mix the Gingerbread Batter

Combine your dry spices with the flour to ensure even distribution throughout the cake. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this incorporates air and creates a tender crumb. The molasses adds that signature deep flavor and gorgeous dark color. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to avoid overmixing, which keeps your cake tender and moist.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely intoxicating—warm ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creating that cozy holiday feeling. Let the cake cool in the pan briefly before inverting, as this helps it release cleanly while maintaining its beautiful wreath shape.

Create the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. The key is to beat it well—you want a frosting that's light, fluffy, and perfect for piping those gorgeous rosettes. The tanginess of the cream cheese provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, spiced cake.

Decorate with Festive Flair

This is where your cake transforms into a showstopper! Pipe the cream cheese frosting in beautiful rosettes around the top of the wreath, then artfully arrange your dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. There's no wrong way to do this—let your creativity guide you. Add those fresh rosemary sprigs for pops of green, and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for that magical snowy effect.

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Switch Things Up

I'll never forget the first time I made this wreath cake for our annual holiday potluck. I was nervous about the presentation, wondering if I could pull off something so elaborate. But as I piped each cream cheese rosette and carefully placed the dried orange slices, I realized how forgiving and fun this recipe actually is. The gingerbread baked up perfectly moist, filling my kitchen with those incredible warm spices that remind you why winter baking is so special. When I carried it into the party, the room literally went silent for a moment before everyone rushed over with their phones out. My aunt declared it looked too beautiful to cut (but we did anyway, and it disappeared within minutes). Now it's become my signature holiday contribution, and I actually look forward to that therapeutic hour of decorating each year. The smell of ginger and molasses, the creative freedom with the garnishes, the joy on people's faces—it's become one of my favorite holiday traditions.

Perfect Pairings

This Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday beverages and accompaniments. Serve it alongside hot mulled wine or spiced apple cider to amplify those warm winter flavors. A cup of strong coffee or chai latte makes an excellent companion for afternoon tea service. For a truly decadent experience, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to each slice. The cake also pairs wonderfully with a cheese board featuring soft, creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone. If you're serving it as part of a dessert spread, consider pairing it with lighter options like fruit tarts or shortbread cookies to provide variety. The spiced flavors also complement roasted nuts, particularly candied pecans or spiced almonds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day. You can bake the cake up to 2 days in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature. Add the frosting and decorations on the day you plan to serve it. The frosted cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it to the 1-cup mark with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This creates the acidity needed for the recipe.

→ Can I use a different pan if I don't have a bundt pan?

Yes, you can bake this in two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch rectangular pan. Adjust the baking time to 30-35 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for a rectangular pan. You won't get the wreath shape, but you can still decorate it beautifully as a layer cake or sheet cake.

→ How do I make dried orange slices at home?

Slice oranges very thinly (about 1/4 inch thick) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they're dried but still slightly pliable. You can also use a dehydrator if you have one. They'll continue to dry and harden as they cool.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, the unfrosted cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating. I don't recommend freezing the cake once it's been frosted, as the cream cheese frosting doesn't freeze well.

→ What's the best way to pipe the frosting rosettes?

Use a large star tip (like Wilton 1M or 2D) and hold the piping bag perpendicular to the cake. Apply steady pressure while piping in a circular motion, starting from the center of each rosette and working outward. Release pressure and pull away quickly to create a nice peak. Practice on a plate first if you're nervous!

→ Can I reduce the amount of spices if they seem too strong?

While you can adjust the spices to your taste, I'd recommend trying the recipe as written first—the spices mellow during baking and pair perfectly with the molasses and cream cheese frosting. If you're sensitive to ginger, you could reduce it slightly to 2 teaspoons, but the balance of spices is what makes this cake special.

Conclusion

This Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake is more than just a dessert—it's a celebration of the holiday season wrapped in warm spices and festive beauty. The tender, moist gingerbread paired with tangy cream cheese frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors that'll have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or bringing something special to a party, this wreath cake delivers both visual impact and incredible taste. The best part? It can be made a day ahead, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Serve it as your grand finale, and watch as it becomes the most photographed dish of the evening!