Recipe Overview

• Yield: One 3-layer, 9-inch cake (12–16 servings)

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Bake Time: 22–28 minutes

• Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Assembly & Decorating: 20 minutes

• Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes

• Skill Level: Moderate

• Best For: Christmas dinner, winter parties, holiday gifting, special occasions

• Texture: Moist, tender, lofty layers with crunchy praline topping

• Flavor Profile: Molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, caramel, earthy black walnut

Gingerbread Layer Cake with Black Walnut Praline

This Gingerbread Layer Cake delivers everything you want in a holiday dessert: warm spices, dark molasses, tender crumb, and a luxurious frosting that ties it all together. But what sets it apart is the black walnut praline—a glossy, crackly, caramelized topping that brings a bold, earthy flavor and a touch of Ozark tradition to the table.

Perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter birthdays, or any celebration that calls for something memorable, this cake strikes the perfect balance between rustic comfort and elegant presentation.

 Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon allspice

• ½ teaspoon cloves

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup unsulphured molasses

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup hot water

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 4–5 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the Black Walnut Praline

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon fine salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped black walnuts (toasted if desired)