"A twist on the classic Christmas gingerbread, this time in cake form. The cheesecake swirl through the centre adds a creamy surprise sure to delight." - Emelia Jackson

What you need to know before you start

Start this recipe 2 hours and 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, as the cake takes time to both cook in the oven and rest before it’s turned out onto a plate. However, you won’t need to be hands-on for this entire process – active prep time is roughly 30-40 minutes. 

To complete this recipe, you will need a 24cm bundt pan. These cake pans are ring-shaped with a hole in the middle, and are usually adorned with decorative detailing. When you’re finished with this cake, keep the bundt pan in your collection, as they’re great to have on hand to cover most recipes, and a simple way to create beautiful cakes. You’ll also need a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, but you can also easily use a large bowl, a sturdy whisk and a spatula instead. 

Why is this the best gingerbread bundt with cream cheese swirl?

Created by Australian MasterChef winner and chef Emelia Jackson, this festive cake is the perfect show-stopper for Christmas. Flavoured with the warm spices of gingerbread and finished with a decadent cream cheese swirl in the centre, this cake has a beautiful light crumb and complex flavours, with hints of smokiness from the molasses. The swirl adds a creamy texture and a fun twist to this cake, as each slice will have a unique look. 

What makes bundt cake different from regular cakes?

One of the main characteristics of a bundt cake is its unique shape. Depending on the style of your pan, your cake can result in fluted or grooved sides with intricate ornate details and, of course, the signature hole in the centre. 

What flavours are in gingerbread?

Gingerbread usually refers to different baked goods containing several spices such as ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. The sweetener used is either molasses, treacle or dark brown sugar, which all give a smoky flavour. You’ll often find gingerbread baked into fun and festive shapes like houses and people, as well as cakes, loaves and trifles. 

What ingredients you’ll need 

Cooking oil spray: A generous amount of cooking oil spray is applied to the inside of the bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking. 

Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, enhancing its tender texture and flavour.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar provides deep, caramel-like sweetness to the bundt.

Caster sugar: The fine granules of caster sugar help to create an even crumb and add sweetness. It’s also used in the cheesecake layer. 

Molasses: Molasses gives the cake its signature dark colour and depth of flavour while imparting a rich and slightly tangy sweetness. You can also use treacle. 

Vanilla bean paste: Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the spices in the cake and contributes to the cheesecake layer.

Eggs: Eggs help to bind the ingredients together, provide structure and contribute to the cake's richness and moisture, while ensuring the cheesecake layer holds its shape.

Plain flour: This is used to form the base of the cake to support the rise and texture, while also providing structure to the cheesecake layer.

Ground ginger: This spice adds a warm kick that’s characteristic of gingerbread.

Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a sweet aroma that balances the richness of the molasses and deepens the gingerbread flavour.

Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth and complexity, complementing the ginger and cinnamon spices. 

Baking powder: This helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Bicarb soda: Similarly, bicarb is used to help the cake rise. 

Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tanginess and keeps the cake moist and tender.

Icing sugar: Icing sugar is used to dust the finished cake for a hint of sweetness and for presentation. 

Cream cheese: An essential ingredient in the cheesecake layer. Cream cheese adds structure, body, flavour and a creamy texture. 

What is the secret of getting a bundt cake out?

Preparation is key! Be sure your bundt pan is sprayed with a generous layer of cooking oil. When your cake comes out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Allowing the cake to slightly firm up as it cools will help the bundt easily slide away from the pan. 

How do you add the cream cheese swirl?

Adding a layer of cream cheese to a cake, loaf or muffin is a fun technique that imparts a luscious creaminess to the dish. However it’s not as simple as ‘just’ adding cream cheese – the texture needs to be adjusted to stop the cream cheese layer from sinking.

When assembling the cake, add two-thirds of the cake batter and level the surface with an offset spatula. Then add a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, egg and flour, and spread into an even layer. Finish with the reserved one-third of batter. We recommend using a spoon to dollop the batter followed by a spatula for an even spread. 

How to store gingerbread bundt with cheesecake swirl

You can store leftover cake wrapped in plastic wrap in a cool place for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the entire cake for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Thaw on the benchtop overnight before serving. 

How to serve gingerbread bundt with cheesecake swirl

Serve your gingerbread bundt on a platter with a fine dusting of icing sugar. Place it in the centre of your dining table after a delicious Christmas meal, and serve with dessert plates, spoons and serving utensils. Enjoy it as is, or with a side of tart berries to cut through the richness, whipped cream for extra indulgence or a generous drizzle of caramel sauce to take things to the next level. 

Drink pairings with a gingerbread bundt

Complement the spice, sweetness and richness of your gingerbread bundt with its cheesecake swirl centre by pairing it with drinks that allow these flavours to shine. We recommend a spiced rum cocktail to play into the notes of gingerbread, or an iced chai latte for a non-alcoholic version

If you love our gingerbread bundt with cheesecake swirl recipe, try this 

Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, put your bundt pan to good use with our other bundt cake favourites:

• Caramel bundt cake
• Choc-banana bundt with hot chocolate butterscotch
• Marbled spiced sour cream bundt cake