Perfect Small Batch Gingerbread Cake: Moist, Flavorful & Easy for the Holidays
This small 6-inch Gingerbread Cake recipe, crafted entirely from scratch without a cake mix, delivers a supremely moist and fluffy texture. Each delightful bite transports you straight to the heart of Christmas, bursting with warm, inviting spices.

Even with the stay-at-home advisories in place, December seems to fly by in a blur of festive preparations and endless to-do lists. It often feels like I’m constantly racing against the clock. This year, I’ve found my energy levels aren’t quite what they used to be, making it harder to accomplish everything I set out to do. Recognising this common holiday hustle, I turned to my wonderful community on Instagram, asking for your preference: this delightful small Gingerbread Cake or a 6-inch Gingerbread Cheesecake.
My initial ambition was to create and share both, but after meticulously testing this gingerbread cake recipe four times to achieve absolute perfection, and simultaneously managing my Etsy shop, time simply ran out. The cheesecake will have its moment in the spotlight another time! For now, you can still enjoy some fantastic gingerbread cheesecake options with my existing Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes or my classic Gingerbread Cheesecake, both perfect for making ahead and freezing any leftovers.
As I mentioned, perfecting this particular gingerbread cake recipe was a journey, requiring four dedicated attempts. But the effort was well worth it! What emerged is a truly exceptional, moist, and fluffy spiced cake that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of the holiday season in every single forkful. While I traditionally enjoy making my Chocolate Gingerbread Cupcakes and Gingerbread Blondies each year (because who doesn’t love the harmonious blend of chocolate and gingerbread?), this time around, I was craving a pure, unadulterated classic gingerbread cake recipe, free from any chocolate. I wanted the traditional, comforting spices to truly shine.
While there are numerous 6-inch cake recipes available, many tend to be elaborate two or three-layer creations. My goal was to develop an easy, single-layer cake. This simpler approach makes it the ideal dessert to serve for a more intimate Christmas Dinner For Two, or any small gathering where you desire homemade deliciousness without the fuss. Of course, a frequently asked question is whether you can double the recipe. The answer is a resounding yes! This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can easily scale it up to suit your needs, whether you desire a larger cake or two smaller ones.
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