Get ready for the holiday season with a delicious gingerbread recipe that will make your taste buds sing. The Fort Wayne Gingerbread Festival is a celebration of all things gingerbread, and this recipe is a perfect representation of the festival’s delicious offerings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and eggs and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Add the water and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the gingerbread in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gingerbread warm with a dollop of whipped cream, or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. You can also slice it up and serve it as a snack or dessert at your holiday party.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped nuts or raisins to the batter before baking. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or allspice, to give the gingerbread a unique flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour to make the gingerbread a bit healthier.
Storage
This gingerbread will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Be sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent the gingerbread from sticking.
- If you don’t have a wire rack, you can cool the gingerbread in the pan, but it may take a bit longer to cool completely.
- For an extra special touch, dust the gingerbread with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
This recipe makes a large batch of gingerbread, so feel free to cut it in half if you don’t need as much. You can also double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gingerbread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use white sugar or coconut sugar in place of the brown sugar if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of molasses?
Yes, you can use light or dark molasses in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different depending on which type you use.
Personal Thoughts
The Fort Wayne Gingerbread Festival is always a highlight of my holiday season, and this recipe is a perfect way to bring a little bit of that festival magic into your own kitchen. The gingerbread is moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and see for yourself!