Healthy Gingerbread Cake

This Healthy Gingerbread Cake recipe was born one snowy December afternoon when I craved gingerbread but not the mountain of sugar and refined flour that usually comes with it. After a little kitchen experimentation—and several taste tests by my eager family—this wholesome, delicious cake became a new holiday classic. This recipe starts with a blend of oat flour and almond flour for a tender crumb, then gets a festive kick from warm spices like ginger and cinnamon.

this Recipe

The best part? It’s easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and fun.  Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect treat for everyone to share. This Healthy Gingerbread Cake is a delightful way to add warmth and spice to your celebrations!

Why You’ll Love It

This Healthy Gingerbread Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a cozy hug in a pan! Here’s why it’s become a family favorite:

• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with good-for-you ingredients like oat flour and almond flour, you can savor every bite without the guilt.
• Perfect for Celebrations: It’s a delightful way to bring festive cheer to any gathering, from holiday parties to cozy weeknight dinners.
• Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe offers clear, easy-to-follow steps, making it simple to create a stunning dessert.
• Dietary Friendly: This cake caters to various dietary needs, as it’s both vegan and gluten-free. This means everyone can enjoy the holiday deliciousness!
• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon creates a cozy, comforting flavor that’s simply addictive. The cake is sweet, and the frosting balances the sweetness for a perfect bite.

Healthy Gingerbread Cake

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• Author: Molly Carswell Pilz
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings

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Description

This healthy gingerbread cake is a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy the festive flavors of gingerbread. Made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour and almond flour, it’s both vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone to share.

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Ingredients

• 1.5 cups oat flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ⅓ cup almond milk
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water)
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup almond butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients (oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt).
3. Whisk flaxseed meal and water for flax egg.
4. Combine wet ingredients (almond milk, flax egg, molasses, coconut sugar, vanilla extract).
5. Gently combine wet and dry ingredients.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
7. Cool for at least 20 minutes.
8. Mix frosting ingredients (Greek yogurt, almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon).
9. Frost and serve.

Notes

Toasting the oat and almond flours beforehand enhances their nutty flavors. Be cautious not to overmix the batter, which can result in a denser cake. For a sweeter frosting, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup. If using dairy-based yogurt, the cake will no longer be vegan.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 35-40 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredient Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Healthy Gingerbread Cake:

For the Cake:

• 1.5 cups oat flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ⅓ cup almond milk
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water)
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup almond butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Flax Egg

In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, flax egg, molasses, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until thoroughly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, frost it with the prepared frosting. Slice and serve! Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Pro Tips

• For a richer flavor, toast the oat flour and almond flour in a dry skillet before using. This brings out their nutty notes.
• Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined. Love gingerbread treats? Try our gingerbread cookies recipe.
• If you’re out of almond milk, you can use any other plant-based milk. Soy milk, oat milk, and cashew milk all work great!
• To make sure your cake is perfectly baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If it comes out with batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas for customizing your Healthy Gingerbread Cake:

• Chocolate Gingerbread Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Spiced Pear Gingerbread Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chopped, cooked pears into the batter.
• Cranberry Orange Gingerbread Cake: Add ½ cup dried cranberries and the zest of one orange to the batter. Looking for something completely different? Check out our delicious dessert recipes.
• Maple Pecan Gingerbread Cake: Add ½ cup chopped pecans and increase the maple syrup in the frosting to ¼ cup.

Serving Suggestions

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes the perfect accompaniment.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. Like cakes? Take a look at our chocolate cake.
• Serve alongside warm apple cider or a steaming cup of coffee.
• For a festive touch, garnish with candied ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Gingerbread Cake is so much more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming tradition waiting to happen. It’s the kind of dessert that brings families and friends together, filling the kitchen with the aroma of warm spices and creating sweet memories. So go ahead, bake this cake, share it with the people you love, and savor every delicious, guilt-free bite. Check out all our tasty dinner recipes. Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.