Irresistible Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Simmered Oranges: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert

Are you searching for that one unforgettable addition to your holiday dessert table? Or perhaps a magnificent sweet treat to elevate your Christmas brunch? Look no further! This spectacular Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Simmered Oranges is not just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Prepare to impress your guests and delight your family with a cake that perfectly balances rich chocolate, warm ginger spice, and bright, citrusy notes.

This cake is designed for a grand presentation, served directly from the pan, adorned with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream and glistening, sweetened simmered orange slices. The vibrant, jewel-toned oranges provide a striking contrast against the deep, dark chocolate cake, creating a visual masterpiece that’s as captivating to behold as it is delicious to taste. It’s a truly show-stopping dessert that embodies the spirit of festive indulgence.

The Perfect Harmony of Flavors: Ginger’s Subtle Dance

What truly sets this chocolate gingerbread cake apart is the exquisite balance of its star spice. The flavor of ginger is not merely present; it shines through beautifully without being overwhelming. We achieve this depth by incorporating a substantial amount of ground ginger directly into the cake batter, creating a fragrant foundation for the chocolate. But the real secret lies in a unique base layer of fresh ginger slivers cooked directly in the pan, infusing every bite with an aromatic warmth that is simply divine. This dual-ginger approach ensures a multi-layered ginger experience that is both comforting and sophisticated.

The rich, bittersweet chocolate pieces folded throughout the batter add another dimension of complexity. They melt ever so slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness that complement the spicy gingerbread. The result is a wonderfully moist cake that’s dense yet tender, with a texture that perfectly cradles all these incredible flavors.

Getting Started: Essential Prep Steps for Your Gingerbread Masterpiece

Before you dive into mixing, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure baking success. Follow these initial steps to get your kitchen organized and your ingredients ready for this delightful gingerbread cake recipe.

Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment it enters the oven.
In a spacious medium-sized bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, ground ginger, baking soda, baking powder, ground black pepper, and salt, along with the aromatic ground cloves. Thoroughly combining these now prevents clumps and ensures even distribution of flavor and leavening. Set this bowl aside.
In a separate bowl, gently combine the rich molasses, 1 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This mixture will add incredible moisture and depth of flavor to your chocolate gingerbread cake. Set this aside as well.

A special note for our gluten-free friends: This chocolate gingerbread cake is remarkably versatile and tastes just as incredible when made gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality, reliable option like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. This blend is specifically formulated for easy substitution, ensuring your cake retains its perfect texture and flavor without compromise. Don’t let dietary restrictions keep you from enjoying this amazing holiday treat!

The Secret to a Deep Ginger Flavor: The Skillet Layer

This recipe distinguishes itself with a brilliant technique: sautéing fresh ginger slivers directly in the baking skillet. This step creates a caramelized, aromatic layer that becomes the base of your cake, infusing it with an incredible depth of fresh ginger flavor as it bakes. It’s a simple yet transformative step that takes this gingerbread cake from good to extraordinary.

First and foremost, ensure you’re using a heavy-duty, oven-safe skillet, ideally cast iron, about 12 inches in diameter. A robust skillet will distribute heat evenly and achieve that perfect caramelized ginger layer.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to your 12-inch oven-safe skillet and place it over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt gently, filling your kitchen with its rich aroma.
Once the butter is melted, add the fresh ginger slivers to the skillet. Sauté them just until the butter is fully melted and the ginger starts to become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. You’re not looking to brown them, just to release their essential oils.
Carefully spread the ginger slivers evenly to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer. This ensures every slice of cake gets a hint of that exquisite fresh ginger.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. It’s now perfectly prepped for the cake batter.

Crafting the Perfect Batter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that your dry and wet ingredients are ready, and your skillet is prepped with its fragrant ginger base, it’s time to bring everything together to create the rich, dark, and utterly delicious cake batter. Precision and patience are key for the best texture and flavor in your chocolate gingerbread cake.

In a large mixing bowl, begin by beating 1/2 cup of softened butter on medium speed for about 30 seconds. This aerates the butter, creating a light and fluffy base for your cake.
Add the granulated sugar to the butter and continue to beat until the two are well combined and light in color. This step creates a creamy mixture, essential for a tender crumb.
Next, incorporate the eggs, adding them one at a time. After each egg, beat the mixture for a full minute. This allows each egg to be fully emulsified into the batter, adding moisture and structure.
It’s time to marry your dry and wet mixtures. Alternately add the whisked flour mixture and the molasses mixture to the butter-sugar-egg base. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Beat on low speed after each addition, just until the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Mix until no streaks of flour remain.
Finally, stir in the chopped bittersweet chocolate pieces. These pockets of rich chocolate will melt beautifully into the cake, providing delightful bursts of flavor.

Here’s a visual guide to how the batter comes together…

Witnessing the transformation of ingredients into a luscious batter is part of the baking magic. These images illustrate the various stages of combining your ingredients, ensuring you achieve the perfect consistency for your chocolate gingerbread cake.

Assembling and Baking Your Masterpiece

With your fragrant ginger layer set and your rich chocolate gingerbread batter perfectly mixed, it’s time for the final steps before baking. This stage requires a gentle hand to ensure the unique ginger base remains undisturbed, guaranteeing a delicious surprise in every slice.

When pouring the batter into the skillet (or your chosen pan), exercise caution to avoid moving the delicate layer of ginger slivers that you’ve meticulously spread at the bottom. It’s crucial not to stir the batter once it’s in the pan, as this would disturb and disrupt the beautiful ginger layer. Instead, simply and smoothly spread out the surface of the batter with a spatula, ensuring an even top before it goes into the oven. This careful technique will preserve the distinct ginger-infused bottom crust that makes this cake so special.

Carefully pour the prepared cake batter over the butter-ginger mixture in the hot skillet. Remember to do this gently to keep the ginger layer intact.

Bake your chocolate gingerbread cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the ultimate test for doneness, ensuring your cake is perfectly baked through.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the skillet on a wire rack for 30 minutes. You might notice the center of the cake dipping slightly during this cooling period; this is completely normal and no cause for concern.

The Art of Simmered Oranges: A Bright & Zesty Topping

While your delightful chocolate gingerbread cake cools, you have the perfect opportunity to create its vibrant, sweet, and slightly tart companion: the simmered oranges. This simple yet elegant topping adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful presentation that truly elevates the entire dessert. These aren’t just any orange slices; they’re transformed into tender, syrupy jewels that melt in your mouth, perfectly complementing the rich cake.

While the cake is in the oven, it’s time to simmer the orange slices.

Begin by slicing your oranges crosswise into uniform rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. The consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
As you slice, be sure to discard any seeds. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable eating experience.
Place a clean 12-inch skillet over medium heat. This is where the magic happens for your citrus topping.
Add granulated sugar, water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and lemon juice to the skillet. The combination of juices provides a complex citrus base for simmering.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until all the sugar has completely dissolved. Once dissolved, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the syrup, uncovered, for about 10 minutes until it thickens and becomes wonderfully syrupy. This concentration of flavor is key to the deliciousness of the oranges.

Carefully add the prepared orange slices to the simmering syrup. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or gently stack them.
Return the mixture to a boil briefly, then reduce the heat once more to a low simmer.
Simmer, uncovered, for approximately 3 minutes, or just until the orange slices become tender. Make sure to turn them occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated and softened by the syrup.

It’s truly amazing how sweet and tender the fruit becomes through this simmering process. The subtle bitterness of the orange rind mellows, leaving behind a wonderfully flavorful and beautifully translucent slice. These simmered oranges are a beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly tasty garnish, adding a touch of gourmet elegance to your chocolate gingerbread cake.

Carefully transfer the tender, syrupy orange slices to a serving bowl and allow them to cool completely. The syrup will thicken further as it cools.
Serve these delightful simmered oranges alongside your warm chocolate gingerbread cake. The contrast of warm cake and cool, sweet oranges is simply sublime.

Serving Suggestions & Customization

Okay, this may be called Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Simmered Oranges but…

We understand that not everyone’s palate will be immediately tempted by the unique combination of simmered oranges on their cake. While we highly recommend trying this delightful pairing, we recognize that culinary preferences can vary widely. The beauty of this gingerbread cake recipe lies in its versatility and incredible standalone flavor.

For those in your group who might be a little less adventurous, or if you simply prefer a more classic presentation, feel free to skip the simmered oranges. Instead, offer a generous sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar, which adds a beautiful snowy finish, and a big, creamy scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream. The warm cake with melting, cool ice cream is a timeless combination that never disappoints and allows the rich chocolate and spicy ginger to truly sing.

But here’s the wonderful truth about this cake: it is absolutely divine all by itself. Seriously, it’s sooooo good. The cake boasts an incredibly moist texture, infused with that subtle yet distinct layer of fresh ginger on the bottom, and studded throughout with delightful chocolate bits. Its complex flavors and tender crumb make it a perfect treat to enjoy plain, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, allowing its intricate spice profile to shine without any accompaniments. Whether you opt for the vibrant oranges, classic ice cream, or simply enjoy it as is, this chocolate gingerbread cake is guaranteed to be a hit!

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Simmered Oranges

Adapted from Nancy Wall Hopkins in BHG

Bittersweet chocolate and fresh ginger combine to make this moist, delicious, and festive dessert.

Prep Time 35 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings 12 servings

Author Rosemary Stelmach

Ingredients

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

2 3/4
cups
all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
(374 grams)
1
tablespoon
ground ginger
1
teaspoon
baking soda
1
teaspoon
baking powder
1/2
teaspoon
ground black pepper
1/2
teaspoon
salt
1/4
teaspoon
ground cloves
1
cup
full-flavor molasses
1
cup
water
2
tablespoons
butter, melted
2
tablespoons
butter
1/4
cup
fresh peeled ginger, cut into slivers
(about 1 ounce)
1/2
cup
butter, softened
1
cup
granulated sugar
2
large eggs
1
cup
bittersweet chocolate, chopped
(about 8 ounces)
prepared whipped cream, for serving
1
recipe
simmered oranges, for serving
(optional)

Simmered Oranges

3 – 4
small oranges
1 1/2
cups
granulated sugar
1/4
cup
water
1/4
cup
freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4
cup
freshly squeezed lemon juice
fresh thyme for garnish
(optional)

Instructions

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, baking soda, baking powder, pepper, salt and ground cloves; set aside. In a separate bowl combine molasses, 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons melted butter; set aside.
In 12-inch oven-going skillet, cook and stir 2 tablespoons butter along with the ginger slivers over medium heat just until butter is melted. Spread the ginger evenly to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer. Remove from heat; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the 1/2 cup softened butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating 1 minute after each. Alternately add the flour mixture and the molasses mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces.
Carefully pour batter over butter-ginger mixture (without disturbing the layer of ginger) in the hot skillet.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in skillet on rack 30 minutes (center may dip slightly). Serve warm topped with whipped cream and simmered oranges. Or, serve with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Simmered Oranges

Slice oranges crosswise about 1/4 inch thick. Discard seeds.
In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat bring sugar, water, orange juice, and lemon juice to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until syrupy. Add orange slices. Return to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes or just until oranges are tender, turning occasionally.
Transfer to a serving bowl and allow to cool. Serve with chocolate gingerbread cake.

Recipe Notes

FOR GLUTEN-FREE: Replace all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour.

Why This Chocolate Gingerbread Cake is a Holiday Favorite

This Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Simmered Oranges is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of holiday flavors, a comforting embrace, and a visually stunning centerpiece all in one. The combination of warming spices, rich chocolate, and bright citrus makes it uniquely suited for festive occasions, yet simple enough to enjoy any time you crave a little indulgence. Its adaptability, offering a delicious gluten-free option, ensures that everyone at your gathering can partake in its joy.

The moist, tender crumb, punctuated by the subtle heat of fresh ginger and pockets of melted bittersweet chocolate, creates a depth of flavor that is truly remarkable. Whether you crown it with the tender, syrupy simmered oranges and fresh whipped cream for a sophisticated touch, or opt for a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for classic comfort, this cake promises to be a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s a testament to how traditional flavors can be elevated with thoughtful presentation and a touch of fresh innovation.

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