Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2

Begin by whisking flour, baking soda, salt and all spices together in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar for several minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4

Add one room temperature egg and mix until well combined.

Step 5

Add in molasses and hot water and mix again. Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.

Step 6

Pour the batter into a baking dish and place in the oven.

Step 7

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow to cool.

Step 9

In a small mixing bowl using a hand held mixer or stand mixer, cream together room temperature butter, room temperature cream cheese, espresso powder and icing sugar.

Step 10

Beat together until the icing is light and fluffy with no lumps. This takes anywhere from 2-5 minutes.

Step 11

Ice the cake after it has fully cooled, then enjoy!