Ginger Cream Cheese Cake

felichiccuisine
Feb 4, 2023
5 min read

by Feli Chic'Cuisine

This Ginger Cream Cheese Cake is a showstopper dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its rich coffee sponge, creamy ginger filling, and glossy glaze, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

If you're craving a dessert that feels indulgent yet light, this Ginger Cream Cheese Cake is the perfect choice. The airy sponge is paired with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling, accented by the warmth of ginger and the depth of coffee. The finishing touch is a glossy coffee glaze, which adds a sophisticated flair to the cake.

Why this Cake is Unique

This cake stands out because it has a rich, balanced flavor without being too sweet. Using natural ingredients like coffee, ginger, and cream cheese, it creates a tasty mix of flavors that work well together.

Perfect for coffee lovers or anyone looking for a cake that’s full of rich, warm flavors but not overly sweet. The deep, slightly bitter notes of coffee balance beautifully with the gentle spice of ginger, while the creamy filling adds a smooth, tangy contrast.

The sweetness is subtle, allowing the natural flavors to shine through, making it ideal for those who enjoy desserts with depth and complexity rather than just sugariness.

In short, the Ginger Cream Cheese Cake brings together coffee, ginger, creamy filling, and a chocolatey glaze to make a dessert that’s indulgent but light and natural. It’s a treat you’ll love to share or enjoy on your own!

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Cream Cheese Cake

Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The rich and tangy cream cheese filling is complemented by the warmth of ginger and the depth of coffee. It’s a dessert that hits all the right notes - sweet, spicy, and slightly bitter.

Sugar-Free Option: This recipe is versatile for those who want to reduce their sugar intake, whether for health reasons or dietary preferences. It’s a fantastic sugar-free dessert without compromising flavor.

Elegant Yet Simple: Despite its luxurious taste and appearance, this cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply want to treat yourself, this Ginger Cream Cheese Cake fits the bill.

Why Ginger Pairs so Well with Coffee

Ginger and coffee might seem like an unusual combination, but they actually complement each other beautifully. The bold and slightly bitter flavor of coffee is balanced by the warm, zesty spice of ginger.

Ginger adds a depth of flavor, enhancing the coffee’s richness without overpowering it. The subtle sweetness and the sharpness of ginger also help cut through the coffee's intensity, making each bite an exciting, flavorful experience.

Tips for Success

Use a Sugar Substitute: If you're following a no-sugar diet, using a sugar substitute that can withstand heat, such as erythritol or stevia, is essential. Some sugar substitutes may have a slight aftertaste, so choose the one that works best for your palate.

Ensure the Sponge is Completely Cool: Let the cake cool completely before adding the filling. A warm sponge will melt the cream cheese, making the filling too runny.

Adjust the Coffee Strength: If you’re not a fan of too much coffee flavor, you can reduce the coffee powder in the sponge to taste. Similarly, you can add more coffee extract in the glaze if you want a stronger coffee flavor.

Be Mindful of the Glaze: The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to stay on the cake. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sweetener; if it’s too thick, add a little more water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve its freshness.

2. What can I substitute for the Cointreau? You can replace Cointreau with any orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec. For a non-alcoholic version, try a splash of orange juice and a dash of orange zest.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten content if you're serving someone with gluten sensitivity.

4. How long does this cake keep? This cake will keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The flavors may deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious!

@Feli Chic'Cuisine ~This Ginger Cream Cheese Cake is a showstopper dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its rich coffee sponge, creamy ginger filling, and glossy glaze, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ginger Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

The sponge is soft, the filling is creamy, and the ginger adds just the right amount of warmth. It’s a great cake to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Prep. Time: 20 min. Baking Time: 20-25 min

Total Time: 45 min. Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

For the Sponge

95g (¾ cup) all-purpose
2 tbsp instant coffee powder
3 eggs
100g (½ cup) sugar (or a sugar substitute if making it sugar-free)

For the Filling

170g (¾ cup) cream cheese
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Cointreau liqueur (or any orange liqueur)
35g (¼ cup) glacé ginger, finely chopped

For the Glaze

195g (1¾ cups) powdered sugar
2 tsp coffee extract
1 tbsp water
1 tsp cocoa powder

To Decorate

Coffee beans (optional)

Method

To Make the Sponge

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) springform pan with baking paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and coffee powder. Set aside.

2, In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and mousse-like.

3. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the beaten eggs, being careful not to deflate the batter.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.

5. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Filling

6. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and honey until smooth and creamy. Stir in the Cointreau (or orange liqueur) and finely chopped glacé ginger until evenly combined.

7. Once the cake is completely cooled, slice it in half horizontally using a serrated knife.

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cut side of the bottom layer, then place the top layer back on to sandwich the filling.

Prepare the Coffee Glaze

8. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and coffee extract, adding enough water to create a smooth glaze that coats the back of a spoon.

9. Pour three-quarters of the glaze over the cake, spreading it evenly to the edges with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

10. Stir the cocoa powder into the remaining glaze until fully combined and smooth. Transfer the mocha glaze into a piping bag fitted with a small writing nozzle and drizzle it over the coffee glaze in a decorative pattern.

11. Optional: Decorate with coffee beans for an elegant finish. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.