200g(¾ cup + 1 heaped tbsp) softened butteror Stork
3large eggs
2tbsptreacle(molasses)
1orangezest only
180ml(¾ cup) whole milk
1 ½tbspfresh orange juice
1tspvanilla extract
For the frosting
500g(2 cups) mascarpone
240g(2 cups) icing sugar(powdered sugar)
2tbspgolden syrupor honey
½tbspground cinnamonor vanilla paste
To decorate
gingerbread cookies
festive sprinkles
1tspground cinnamonto dust
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9x13 rectangular cake tin.
Measure the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt and spices into a large mixing bowl. Stir together to combine and break up any lumps of brown sugar.
Add the softened butter, eggs, milk, orange juice and zest. Start beating on low speed using a hand or stand mixer and increase the speed once the ingredients have combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.
Pour the batter into a lined 9×13 inch rectangular cake tin and level. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is springy to the touch and just coming away from the edges of the tin. A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean. Lift the cake out of the tin onto a wire rack to cool.
Make the frosting
Put the mascarpone, icing sugar, vanilla extract, golden syrup and cinnamon into a bowl and beat until the frosting holds peaks.
Spread the frosting over the cake (make sure it has cooled down completely first!). Swirl the frosting using an offset spatula.
Decorate Your Gingerbread Tray Bake with gingerbread cookies, prinkles, meringue cookies or crystallised ginger. If you are using cookies or meringue kisses, make sure you add them just before serving as the moisture from the frosting will soften them.
Dust with icing sugar, slice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Gingerbread Buttercream420g (3 1/2 cups) icing sugar115g (1/2 cup) softened butter3 tbsp treacle / molasses2 tsp each ground cinnamon and gingera little hot water, as neededBeat all the ingredients together adding enough hot water so that you have a smooth buttercream that holds peaks. Swirl over the cake and decorate as desired.