Gingerbread Town-Square Cake

22 Ratings
  • 5 4
  • 4 2
  • 3 7
  • 2 7
  • 1 2

As far as gingerbread houses go, this one is admittedly a bit of a time investment—but if you're wanting a headturner that will also taste delicious, then this one certainly breaks the mold! Because of the gingerbread-flavored Dacquoise that is placed in the center (which is a layer cake made from crisp sheets of nut-flavored meringue and smooth buttercream), this is a house you can actually slice into like a cake and eat. As the finishing touch to this confectionery masterpiece, delightfully-decorated gingerbread townhouses are lined up around the edges to create the feel of a quaint European city.  

Martha Stewart Living, December 2007

Gallery

Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

Servings:
30
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Place 1 meringue layer on a cake stand, and spread 1 1/2 cups buttercream over its surface. Top with a slice of genoise. Brush genoise with one-third of the syrup. Spread 1 1/2 cups buttercream over genoise. Repeat layering 2 more times. Spread enough buttercream over sides of cake to fill in any spaces between layers and create a smooth surface. Refrigerate cake for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight).

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  • Just before serving, spread frosting over cake, smoothing sides and creating peaks on top to resemble snowdrifts. Sprinkle top with sanding sugar. Gently press 3 cookies onto each side of cake, using 1 of each shape per side and alternating molasses and honey gingerbread. Serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

Using a combination of the two types of townhouse gingerbread cookies will create a town-square with varying shades of brown, as pictured.

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Reviews (7)

22 Ratings
  • 5 4
  • 4 2
  • 3 7
  • 2 7
  • 1 2
Martha Stewart Member
01/05/2009
This cake was very delicious BUT too much work
Martha Stewart Member
04/05/2008
This took a long time to make but was more delicious than it looked. Perhaps a little less butter cream would be prefferable to some.
Martha Stewart Member
12/15/2007
I was really inspired by the picture of the town square cake so I tried it tho In n n n n n ve never baked gingerbread or iced anything. It was not as complicated as it looked. You just have to read the instructions v. carefully before you start. I mistook the frosting for icing
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Martha Stewart Member
12/15/2007
I was really inspired by the picture of the town square cake so I tried it tho In n n n n n ve never baked gingerbread or iced anything. It was not as complicated as it looked. You just have to read the instructions v. carefully before you start. I mistook the frosting for icing
Martha Stewart Member
12/15/2007
I hate gingerbread so I made shortbread instead. The frosting turned out surprisingly well as icing. The cake was gorgeous with the meringue layers. I brought it for an office party and it was polished off in no time. I substituted walnuts with almonds cos I hate the smell of walnuts. The meringue tasted great. It took 2 days to finish the cake so it is not a cake you rush. The first day baking and the second day putting the cake together. Well worth the effort.
Martha Stewart Member
12/13/2007
I found a similar cake plate at Kohl's. Although it is not quite as pretty as the one shown.
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Martha Stewart Member
12/10/2007
I would really like to find a cake stand/pedestal rectulangular and round like the one shown for the village. Does anyone know where I can get one?
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