Indulge in the delightful world of holiday baking with our Gingerbread Town Square Cake, an enchanting edible village that will transport you to a winter wonderland. This festive treat is not just a cake; it's an edible landscape adorned with colorful houses, snow-covered trees, and sparkling lights. Our curated collection of recipes guides you through every step of creating this magical centerpiece, from the moist gingerbread cake base to the sweet and chewy gumdrops that adorn the rooftops. Explore the included recipes for the decadent chocolate ganache, the fluffy vanilla buttercream, and the vibrant royal icing, each element contributing to the overall charm of this edible town. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with the enticing aromas of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, while creating a stunning centerpiece that will be the highlight of your holiday gatherings.
Let's cook with our recipes!
GINGERBREAD TOWN-SQUARE CAKE
As far as gingerbread houses go, this one is admittedly a bit of a time investment-but if you're wanting a headturner that will also taste delicious, then this one certainly breaks the mold! Because of the gingerbread-flavored Dacquoise that is placed in the center (which is a layer cake made from crisp sheets of nut-flavored meringue and smooth buttercream), this is a house you can actually slice into like a cake and eat. As the finishing touch to this confectionery masterpiece, delightfully-decorated gingerbread townhouses are lined up around the edges to create the feel of a quaint European city.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place 1 meringue layer on a cake stand, and spread 1 1/2 cups buttercream over its surface. Top with a slice of genoise. Brush genoise with one-third of the syrup. Spread 1 1/2 cups buttercream over genoise. Repeat layering 2 more times. Spread enough buttercream over sides of cake to fill in any spaces between layers and create a smooth surface. Refrigerate cake for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight).
- Just before serving, spread frosting over cake, smoothing sides and creating peaks on top to resemble snowdrifts. Sprinkle top with sanding sugar. Gently press 3 cookies onto each side of cake, using 1 of each shape per side and alternating molasses and honey gingerbread. Serve immediately.
FAVORITE OLD FASHIONED GINGERBREAD
This is everyone's holiday favorite, even the busy cook's, because it is so easy to make.
Provided by Charles
Categories Desserts Cakes Spice Cake Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 9
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the egg, and mix in the molasses.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in the hot water. Pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 375.1 calories, Carbohydrate 65.3 g, Cholesterol 47.8 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 434.7 mg, Sugar 31.5 g
SEVEN-MINUTE FROSTING FOR GINGERBREAD TOWN-SQUARE CAKE
Use this to make our Gingerbread Town-Square Cake. This frosting sets quickly, so make it just before you're ready to use it.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes about 8 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring 1 1/2 cups sugar, the corn syrup, and water to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan. Continue to cook, without stirring but washing down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming, until mixture reaches 230 degrees, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, with a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Reduce speed to medium-low, and pour syrup in a slow, steady stream down side of bowl. Raise speed to high, and beat until thick, shiny, and cooled, about 7 minutes. Use immediately.
GINGERBREAD
My grandmother first used this recipe for gingerbread over 100 years ago. I remember that the kitchen smelled like heaven when Grandmother baked her gingerbread. The only thing better was when she took it out of the oven and served it with a generous topping of fresh whipped cream! -Ellouise Halstead, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield 9 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine egg, sugar, molasses, butter and water; mix well. In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, ginger and salt; add molasses mixture. Beat until well mixed. Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° until cake tests done, 20-25 minutes. Cut into squares; serve warm with whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 232 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 350mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
Tips:
- To achieve a moist and fluffy cake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This allows them to emulsify properly, resulting in a smooth and even batter.
- Measuring ingredients accurately is crucial for a successful cake. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for dry ingredients like flour and sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake tough and dense. Mix just until the ingredients are well combined.
- For a level cake, bake it in the center of the oven. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the cake from browning unevenly.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Conclusion:
This gingerbread town square cake is a delightful treat that combines the warm and festive flavors of gingerbread with the moist and fluffy texture of a classic cake. With its spiced cake layers, cream cheese frosting, and festive decorations, this cake is perfect for any holiday celebration or special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe provides clear and detailed instructions to guide you through the process of creating this stunning and delicious cake. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a baking adventure that will fill your home with the sweet aroma of gingerbread and holiday cheer. Happy baking!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love