Who doesn’t love a warm slice of gingerbread during the holidays? The spicy aroma and rich flavor make it the perfect comfort food. However, if you’re like many people, you may not love the taste of molasses. The good news is that you can still enjoy gingerbread without it! In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite gingerbread recipes that don’t use molasses. These recipes are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
For these gingerbread recipes, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Here’s how to make these delicious gingerbread recipes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Add the milk, yogurt, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes (for a loaf pan) or 45-50 minutes (for a 9×13 inch baking dish), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or your favorite ice cream.
Nutritional Information
These gingerbread recipes make about 12 servings. Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 255
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
- Sodium: 226mg
- Potassium: 192mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin A: 354IU
- Calcium: 88mg
- Iron: 2mg
Cooking Time
These gingerbread recipes take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 30-50 minutes to bake, depending on the pan you use. The total cooking time is approximately 45-60 minutes.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make these gingerbread recipes:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Hand-held mixer or stand mixer
- 9×13 inch baking dish or loaf pan
- Cooling rack
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread recipes are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, ice cream, caramel sauce, or frosting. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Variations
Here are a few variations you can try to make these gingerbread recipes even more delicious:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates.
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut.
- Substitute the yogurt for 1/2 cup of applesauce for a healthier version.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Substitute the unsalted butter for salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt by 1/4 tsp.
- Substitute the white sugar for brown sugar, but reduce the amount by 2 tbsp.
- Substitute the milk for almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
- Substitute the plain yogurt for sour cream or buttermilk.
Storage
These gingerbread recipes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make these gingerbread recipes even better:
- Make sure your butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the gingerbread will be tough.
- Use a toothpick to check if the gingerbread is done. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Let the gingerbread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing it.
Notes
These gingerbread recipes are perfect for those who don’t like the taste of molasses. They’re easy to make, delicious, and versatile. You can serve them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, and they’re perfect for the holidays or any time of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions about these gingerbread recipes:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the gingerbread will be denser and have a nuttier flavor.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute honey for sugar, but reduce the amount by 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of flour to the dry ingredients to balance the texture.
Can I make these gingerbread recipes in advance?
Yes, you can make these gingerbread recipes in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Personal Thoughts
These gingerbread recipes are a delicious twist on a classic treat. The spices and flavors are perfectly balanced, and the texture is moist and tender. I love that they don’t use molasses, which can be an acquired taste. These recipes are easy to make and perfect for the whole family. They’re also versatile, so you can customize them with your favorite add-ins. I encourage you to try these gingerbread recipes for yourself and share them with your loved ones.