Curious what more than 54,000 calories of gingerbread looks like? The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs has created an impressive seasonal display now installed on the resort’s main mezzanine. This year’s centerpiece is not a traditional gingerbread house but a full-sized vintage car sculpted from gingerbread and chocolate.
The design was inspired by The Broadmoor’s founder, Spencer Penrose, and his 1937 Flathead V-8 Cadillac Touring Car. The original vehicle joined the hotel’s fleet to transport guests on trips and sightseeing excursions. The edible Cadillac will remain on display at the resort through New Year’s Day. Guests interested in more historical automobiles from the property can explore the Penrose Heritage Museum, where Julie Penrose’s 1928 custom Cadillac limousine is on view.
© The Broadmoor
Cadillac remains the resort’s official fleet brand, and overnight guests and members can enjoy a Ride and Drive experience that highlights these classic vehicles.
This year’s gingerbread Cadillac was a large collaborative effort. The ingredients and production details include:
- 958 pounds of powdered sugar
- 475 pounds of flour
- 1,801 eggs
- 19 pounds of spices
- 200 pounds of granulated sugar
- 128 pounds of molasses
- 6 pounds of salt
- 164 pounds of dark chocolate
- 89 pounds of butter
- 3 pounds of baking soda
- 10 pounds of heavy cream
- 2 pounds of fresh yeast
- 160 chocolate bars
- 40 pounds of silver chocolate
- 1 dark chocolate steering wheel
- 6 sugar hubcaps
- 10 pastry chefs
- 2 carpenters
- Approx. 308 production hours
Alongside the gingerbread showpiece, The Broadmoor offers a range of holiday programming. Seasonal activities include gingerbread decorating classes for children, special holiday menus across dining venues, Wassail Tea service, culinary and beverage demonstrations, Breakfasts with Santa, the Classic Broadmoor Holiday Show and the resort’s 12 Days of Christmas celebration. The 12 Days run Dec. 21 through Jan. 1.