Winter is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting treats, and Dutch ginger bread is one of our favorites. This spiced cake is a staple in Dutch cuisine and is traditionally served during the holidays. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make this tasty treat in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of molasses
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, molasses, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve!
Nutritional Information
One serving of Dutch ginger bread (1/12 of the loaf) contains approximately:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 23g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 50-60 minutes.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Dutch ginger bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s also great with a cup of coffee or tea.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter before baking. You could also sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the bread before baking for a crunchy texture.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also use dark corn syrup if you’re in a pinch, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Storage
This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing them together. This will help ensure that everything combines evenly.
- If you don’t have a wire rack, you can use the bottom of a baking sheet or a clean towel to cool the bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter or your bread will be tough. Mix until everything is just combined.
Notes
This recipe makes one 9×5-inch loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to compensate.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Personal Thoughts
Dutch ginger bread is one of my favorite treats during the winter months. It’s spicy, sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious loaf that’s great for sharing with friends and family. I love adding chopped nuts to the batter for some extra crunch. Give it a try and let us know what you think!