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This simple sheet cake comes together in no time flat, but don't let that simplicity fool you—it's the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering, thanks to a bold dose of molasses and spices (plus buttermilk for a moist but fluffy crumb). Finish it up with a tangy dollop of cream cheese frosting or whipped Greek yogurt, either of which will offer the perfect counterpoint to the cake's earthy flavor.

Gingerbread Sheet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

ounces light brown sugar (about 1 cup, packed

ounces unsulfured molasses, not blackstrap (about 1/4 cup

ground ginger

ground cinnamon

baking powder

baking soda

(2g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt

nutmeg, preferably freshly grated

ground cloves

Chinese five-spice powder

black pepper

large eggs, straight from the fridge (about 5 1/4 ounces

ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks

ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/4 cups, spooned

ounces whole wheat flour, not stone-ground (about 1/2 cup, spooned

ounces cultured lowfat buttermilk or kefir (about 1 cup

batch Fast and Easy Cream Cheese Frosting or 1 batch Whipped Greek Yogurt

To Serve:

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9- by 13-inch anodized aluminum cake pan with parchment, then grease lightly with pan spray.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cloves, five-spice powder, black pepper, and eggs. Mix on low until moistened, then increase to high and whip until foamy and thick, about 8 minutes.

Reduce speed to low and drizzle in melted butter, then add all-purpose and whole wheat flours, followed by buttermilk. Once combined, shut off mixer and fold batter once or twice from the bottom up with a flexible spatula, then scrape into prepared pan.

Bake until cake is puffed and firm (though crust will retain a light impression when pressed with a fingertip), about 32 minutes. Cool in pan until firm, then slice into squares with a knife. If desired, top with swirls of cream cheese frosting or whipped Greek yogurt.