Festive Gingerbread Dessert Spread with Molasses and Spices

A bowl of festive gingerbread dessert spread topped with cookie crumbs and star anise, surrounded by gingerbread cookies, holiday candles, ornaments, and warm Christmas decorations.

This festive gingerbread dessert spread is rich, creamy, warmly spiced, and deeply flavoured with molasses, making it a delightful holiday treat to serve with crêpes, pancakes, toast, or as part of a Christmas dessert board. With the primary keyword festive gingerbread dessert spread used naturally throughout, this version highlights the velvety texture, cozy spices, and indulgent holiday charm of this simple stovetop spread.

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Hey, folks — I hope you’re all doing well.

Today, I’m sharing something wonderfully seasonal: a creamy and warmly spiced festive gingerbread dessert spread that comes together in minutes. It’s cozy, aromatic, and perfect for dressing up all your favourite holiday breakfasts and desserts. So, let’s dive into this festive gingerbread dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Gingerbread Dessert Spread with Molasses and Spices

Here’s why this holiday spread deserves a place on your table:

  • Beautifully spiced. A blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and allspice creates a warm and festive flavour profile.
  • Creamy texture. Cream cheese and whipping cream melt into a smooth, luscious dessert spread.
  • Deep molasses richness. Fancy molasses adds depth, warmth, and the unmistakable gingerbread character.
  • Elevated with liqueur. A splash of orange liqueur introduces subtle citrus notes and enhances the holiday feel.
  • Perfectly versatile. Enjoy it with crêpes, pancakes, toast, oatmeal, or as part of a dessert board.
  • Make-ahead friendly. Keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for holiday hosting.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This spread is creamy, smooth, and richly spiced, with a mellow sweetness from molasses and honey. The warm spice blend gives it depth, while optional orange liqueur introduces a gentle citrus lift. When chilled, it firms slightly, making it ideal for spreading or spooning over hot crêpes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Festive Gingerbread Dessert Spread

Here’s a quick look at what makes this spread so delightful:

  • Cream cheese. The foundation of the spread, providing body and a silky texture.
  • Whipping cream. Adds richness and helps everything melt into a smooth consistency.
  • Fancy molasses. The star ingredient that delivers deep gingerbread flavour.
  • Brown sugar and honey. Provide balanced sweetness with warm caramel notes.
  • Spices. Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg, along with a pinch of clove and allspice, create a perfectly festive spice blend.
  • Orange liqueur (optional). Adds aroma, sweetness, and a subtle citrus finish.
  • White chocolate (optional). Enhances sweetness and thickens the spread.
  • Gingerbread cookies (optional). A playful garnish that adds crunch and visual charm.
A bowl of festive gingerbread dessert spread topped with cookie crumbs and star anise, surrounded by gingerbread cookies, holiday candles, ornaments, and warm Christmas decorations.

Possible Additions and Variations

Here are easy ways to tailor this festive spread:

  • Extra spice. Add more ginger or cinnamon for a bolder flavour.
  • Sweeter finish. Increase honey or brown sugar, or melt in white chocolate for a richer taste.
  • Citrus twist. Add orange zest or substitute orange liqueur with non-alcoholic orange extract.
  • Boozy version. Use a full tablespoon of Cointreau or Triple Sec for a stronger festive punch.
  • Chocolate notes. Stir in cocoa powder or dark chocolate for a different finish.

How to Make This Festive Gingerbread Dessert Spread

To make this spread, gently heat the cream cheese, whipping cream, and molasses in a small saucepan, whisking until smooth. Add the brown sugar, honey, and spices, simmering until slightly thickened. Adjust sweetness or spice to taste, or melt in chopped white chocolate for extra richness. Add orange liqueur if using, let the alcohol cook out briefly, then cool fully before serving or refrigerating.

More Festive Gingerbread Ideas

Are you looking for more fun, festive gingerbread ideas, like these festive gingerbread holiday crepes? Be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try this Festive Gingerbread Dessert Spread with Molasses and Spices. If you give this idea a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

A bowl of festive gingerbread dessert spread topped with crumbled cookies and star anise, surrounded by gingerbread cookies, cinnamon sticks, holiday candles, ornaments, and evergreen branches.

Festive Gingerbread Dessert Spread with Molasses and Spices

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Christmas, Festive Christmas Desserts, Sweet Spreads and Preserves

festive gingerbread dessert spread made with molasses, warm spices, and optional orange liqueur. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or desserts.

Servings

8-12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooling time

45

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 225 gr. (1 cup) cream cheese

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml.) heavy / whipping (35%) cream

  • ~2-3 tbsp. (35-50 gr.) fancy molasses

  • 1 tbsp. (~12 gr.) brown sugar

  • 1-2 tsp. (7-14 gr.) honey

  • 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg, each

  • a small pinch of clove and allspice, each

  • 1-2 tbsp. orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, optional

  • 40-50 gr. white chocolate, optional (see step 2)

  • few gingerbread cookies, crumbled (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  • In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cream cheese, whipping cream, and molasses over lower-medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until melted and combined, whisking often.
  • Add the brown sugar, honey, and spices and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until well-incorporated and slightly thickened. Try and add more spices if desired. You can also add more of sugar or honey if there’s not enough of sweetness to your liking (keep in mind orange liqueur will add sweetness as well.) Instead of additional sugar or honey, you can add 40-50 gr. of chopped white chocolate and cook for a minute, until melted; it will add the sweetness and enhance the consistency.
  • If using, add a few splashes of orange liqueur. Allow the alcohol evaporate a bit for 30-40 seconds, then remove from heat. Cool then transfer to a container or serving bowl and fully cool before serving. If desired, sprinkle with a few crumbled cookies on top. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days. Enjoy on toasts, with crepes, pancakes, oatmeal, as a part of other dessert, etc.

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6 Comments

  1. Your photos and the spread are fabulous! What a great holiday treat that would be perfect for a party or drop in guests!

  2. Oh this is my kind of Christmas treat! I absolutely love everything gingerbread flavored, and I always look forward to making a batch of homemade gingerbread cookies. I’m thinking I should try dipping the leg of one of those gingerbread men into this dip!

  3. This gingerbread spread looks luscious and so tempting, Ben. Gotta make some for my husband since he loves oats and toasts.

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