Name: Easy Old-Fashioned Molasses Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 cup molasses; 1 cup hot coffee; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 1 review

This Molasses Cake is soft, deeply flavorful, and perfectly spiced with hints of ginger and cinnamon. Made with warm molasses and hot coffee, it has a rich, cozy taste that feels nostalgic and comforting. It’s the perfect easy homemade dessert for any time of year!

A slice of homemade molasses cake with whipped cream

There’s something about molasses cake that just feels like home. It’s rich without being overly sweet, warmly spiced without being overpowering, and it has that deep, almost caramel-like flavor that lingers in the best way. The molasses gives it a bold, nostalgic taste, while the soft, tender crumb makes every bite feel comforting and satisfying.

This version keeps things simple while still delivering that classic, old-fashioned flavor you expect from a truly good molasses cake. I especially love making this cake during that in-between season, when winter is fading but there’s still a chill in the air. It’s the kind of dessert that pairs perfectly with an afternoon coffee or tea, or served slightly warm after dinner when you want something cozy but not too heavy.

What is molasses cake?

Molasses cake is a classic, old-fashioned dessert similar to gingerbread, but made with molasses as the main sweetener. It has a deep, rich flavor and a soft, tender crumb, usually paired with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. Compared to lighter cakes, it’s a bit more dense, moist, and rich, with an almost fudge-like crumb to it.

Why we love this molasses cake

Ready in 30 minutes, made with pantry staples – No complicated ingredients here! Everything is simple, cost-effective, and likely already in your kitchen.
Deep, rich flavor – The molasses gives this cake a bold, almost caramel-like depth that you just can’t get from regular sugar alone.
Perfectly soft and moist texture – Thanks to the combination of molasses and hot coffee, this cake stays incredibly tender with a soft, moist crumb/
Warm, cozy spices without being overpowering – The ginger and cinnamon add just enough warmth to complement the molasses without stealing the spotlight from it.

Ingredients needed

A photo of ingredients used to make homemade molasses cake

Molasses, of course!: Adds deep flavor, moisture, and that signature dark color.
Hot coffee: Combined with the molasses, it enhances the richness of the molasses and helps create a smooth batter.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the cake its soft crumb.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
Ground ginger and cinnamon: The ginger adds subtle warmth and depth, while the cinnamon balances the molasses with a gentle sweetness and spice.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.
Softened butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Lightens the flavor of the molasses cake slightly and balances the bold molasses.
2 eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together.

How to make molasses cake

Prep molasses mixture

Combine 1 cup molasses and 1 cup hot coffee in a small bowl. Make sure to mix it very well until well incorporated.

Mix dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.

A small bowl full of molasses and hot coffee combined

A mixing bowl full of flour, baking powder, ground ginger and cinnamon, and salt

Make cake batter

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, with the mixer on low, add in the eggs one at a time until combined, scraping the sides of the mixing bowl as necessary to incorporate everything.

Put everything together

Add in the molasses mixture, then gradually add in the flour mixture until just combined.

A mixing bowl full of molasses cake batter

Bake, rest, and serve!

Pour the batter into a greased 8″ square cake pan and bake in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cover the cake with foil and allow it to cool completely before serving, so that it stays moist and sticky on top. Cut into slices and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy!

FAQs for molasses cake

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?

You can, but it’s not recommended for this recipe. Blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor, which can overpower the cake and make it less balanced.

Can I substitute the coffee?

Yes! If you prefer not to use coffee, you can substitute it with hot water or even warm milk. The coffee doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee per se, but serves to enhance the richness of the molasses.

Why is my molasses cake dense?

Molasses cake is naturally a bit more dense than traditional cakes, but if it feels too heavy, it may be from overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. Be sure to measure carefully and mix just until combined.

Can I make molasses cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I freeze molasses cake?

Yes! Once the cake has cooled completely, cut into slices, wrap each piece tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

What to serve with molasses cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but there are a few simple ways to dress it up depending on the mood you’re in!

With a cup of coffee or tea: Honestly, this might just be the best way to enjoy it. The flavors pair perfectly, especially as an afternoon treat or a simple after-dinner dessert.
With a dusting of powdered sugar: Keep it simple and classic. A light dusting adds just a touch of sweetness and makes it look extra pretty without any extra effort.
With whipped cream: The light, airy texture of whipped cream balances the richness of the molasses perfectly.
With vanilla ice cream: Serve the cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between warm and cold is so good and makes it feel like a full dessert.
With a drizzle of caramel sauce: If you really want to lean into those deep, cozy flavors, a little caramel takes this cake to the next level.

Molasses cake storage tips

To Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more moist. You can bake it a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.

To Store: Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly covered on the counter for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can either warm up a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 minutes or place slices in the oven at 300°F for about 8–10 minutes.

To Freeze: Cut the cake, once cooled, into slices and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap (or store in a freezer-safe container). The cake can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw at room temperature first before warming up!