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Overhead shot of sliced Vegan Gingerbread Snack Cake shared with sugared cranberries.
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Vegan Gingerbread Snack Cake Recipe

A moist and tender ginger-molasses packed snack cake, for the holidays or anytime you get that comforting gingerbread craving. Vegan Gingerbread Snack Cake is simple to make and one bowl easy!  vegan  *Time below does not include time for the cake to cool. 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Vegan
Keyword Vegan Gingerbread Cake
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 16 pieces
Calories 290kcal
Author Traci York

Ingredients

Serve With:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Set baking rack in center of oven. Grease a 9"x9" (22.8cm X 22.8cm) baking pan (see note for alternative baking pan size), then line with parchment paper. Set aside. 
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift in the flour, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, sea salt and baking powder. Whisk and set aside. 
  • Mix the Wet Ingredients: Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature and the coconut oil is warm to the touch. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl and a whisk), add the coconut oil, molasses, sugar and apple sauce to the bowl. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes (or whisk vigorously for about 1 minute). The ingredients should be emulsified when ready to move on. Scrape the bowl all the way down to make sure none of the sugar is setting in the bottom.  If the coconut oil solidifies in the mix, gently warm the mixture until it is melted again. 
  • Finish the Batter: Add all the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl at once and pulse in on low until incorporated - about 10 seconds, then scrape down bowl (or gently fold in by hand for about 30 seconds, or until there is no sign of dry flour). Meanwhile, heat the ginger beer until it's almost boiling in a small sauce pot (stove top) or large spouted measuring cup (microwave). I do this in the microwave and heat it for one minute. It should be at least 160F (71C). Sprinkle the baking soda into the ginger beer slowly. It will bubble and fizz up. Pour the very hot ginger beer mixture into the batter and mix on the lowest speed, pulsing in, being careful not to let it slosh out of the bowl -  about 10 seconds (or carefully stir in for about 20 seconds, or until incorporated). Add the fresh grated ginger and pulse in - about 5 seconds (or gently fold in). The batter will be loose and you'll notice the leavening action happening right away. 
  • Ready to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Using an offset spatula, make sure the batter is distributed evenly, if needed. Place the cake on the center rack and bake at 350F for 45 - 50 minutes (I start checking mine right at 45 minutes). The cake is ready when a tooth-pick inserted in the center comes out clean, the cake pulls away slightly from the sides of the pan and it springs back when gently pressed in the center. The cake will slightly dip in the center after removing it from the oven. Cool on a cooling rack, in the pan, for at least an hour. 
  • Gently remove the cake from the pan using the parchment paper as handles. Cut evenly into 16 pieces and place on serving platter. Dust with powder sugar, top with whipped cream and a sugared cranberry.  Store at room temperature in a covered container for up to four days. 

Notes

The flavor of this cake improves over time and is even better on day two. After setting overnight, covered, the edges soften and the top becomes a bit shinier. 
I've only baked this recipe in a 9x9" pan, however there are other options!  Cookie and Cups has a baking pan equivalent chart for your convenience. Just remember, that the baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the cake. The thinner the cake, the less time to bake. 
An external oven thermometer will ensure your oven is at the proper temperature. Ovens vary widely in their temperature fluctuations and/or calibration (even new ovens). For example, I have to set my oven to 365F to get it to 350F, and sometimes I have to futz with raising and lowering the temperature to get it just right. Even a 10 degree temperature difference can throw off a baked, mostly cakes, cookies and pudding (sweets) recipes. 

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1.9mg