If you're in the mood for a warm, spicy, and satisfying dessert, this 1-layer gingerbread cake is sure to hit the spot. Made without icing, it's a simple and delicious way to indulge your sweet tooth. With 2129 calories per serving, however, it's important to enjoy this treat in moderation.

In addition to being a tasty dessert, gingerbread cake also has some nutritional benefits. This cake is high in carbohydrates, with 317 grams per serving. It also contains 51 grams of fat and 23 grams of protein. While it's not exactly a health food, it does offer some nutrients and can be a good source of energy.

To ensure that your gingerbread cake turns out perfectly, be sure to follow these baking tips. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Beat in two room-temperature eggs, then add 3/4 cup of molasses and 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix in 1 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of ground ginger. Finally, slowly mix in 1 cup of hot water. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake.

Calories per Serving

As mentioned in the introduction, there are 2129 calories in each serving of this gingerbread cake. This makes it a fairly high-calorie treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. If you're counting calories, or want to enjoy a lighter snack, you can try cutting your slice in half or making a mini-cake using a smaller baking dish.

Carbohydrate Content

Gingerbread cake is a carbohydrate-rich dessert, with 317 grams of carbs in each serving. Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, but they can also cause blood sugar spikes if consumed in excess. If you're watching your carb intake, you can try cutting your cake into smaller portions or enjoying it with a protein-rich topping like whipped cream or cream cheese.

Fat Content

This gingerbread cake is also high in fat, with 51 grams in each serving. While some fats are healthy and necessary for the body, excessive consumption of unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain and health problems. To reduce the fat content of this cake, you can try using lighter ingredients like reduced-fat butter or egg substitutes. You can also try topping your cake with fresh fruit instead of whipped cream or icing.

Protein Content

Each serving of this gingerbread cake contains 23 grams of protein, which is a decent amount. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can also help you feel full and satisfied after a meal. If you're looking to boost the protein content of your cake, you can try adding protein powder to the batter, or serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a protein-rich sauce.

Vitamins and Minerals

While gingerbread cake is not a particularly nutrient-dense food, it does offer some vitamins and minerals. Molasses, which is used in the recipe, is a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Ginger is also a healthy ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion. To get more vitamins and minerals in your gingerbread cake, you can try adding healthy toppings like nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut.

Health Benefits

While gingerbread cake is not exactly a superfood, it does have some potential health benefits. Ginger, which is a key ingredient in this cake, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It may also help with digestive issues like nausea and bloating. Molasses, another ingredient in the cake, is a good source of iron and other minerals. While this cake should be enjoyed in moderation, it's nice to know that it can provide some potential health benefits along with its delicious flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

If you're on a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy the warm spiciness of gingerbread cake. Simply substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. You can also try using almond flour or coconut flour for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to check all of your ingredients for gluten-containing additives, and make sure that your baking pan and utensils are free of any residual gluten.

Low-Calorie Option

If you're trying to cut calories, you can modify this gingerbread cake recipe to be a little lighter. Instead of using butter and brown sugar, you can try using a sugar substitute like Splenda or Stevia, and a light butter spread like Smart Balance. You can also try cutting the recipe in half, or making mini-cakes in muffin tins. Just be aware that the texture and flavor of the cake may be slightly different with these modifications.

Baking Tips

To ensure that your gingerbread cake turns out perfectly, be sure to follow these baking tips. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Beat in two room-temperature eggs, then add 3/4 cup of molasses and 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix in 1 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of ground ginger. Finally, slowly mix in 1 cup of hot water. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake.

Serving Size

One serving of this gingerbread cake is an 8-inch square slice that is approximately 1-1/2 inches high. While it can be tempting to indulge in a larger slice, or to go back for seconds, it's important to remember that this cake is high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation. If you're looking for a smaller portion or a lighter snack, you can try cutting your slice in half or making mini-cakes in muffin tins.