Do you love the taste of ginger and molasses? Do you want to create a dessert that is not only delicious but also has a rich history? Then, you have to try out the Sammy Davis Jr Sweet Gingerbread Man recipe. This recipe has been around for decades and has been enjoyed by many people around the world. You don’t have to be a master chef to make this dessert; all you need is some basic ingredients, some time, and a bit of patience. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until well combined.
- Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the gingerbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve as desired.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230 per serving
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
You can serve the Sammy Davis Jr Sweet Gingerbread Man with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a warm caramel sauce. You can also cut it into small pieces and serve it as finger food at your next party.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, you can add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to the batter. You can also use honey instead of molasses for a lighter and sweeter taste.
Substitutions
If you don’t have ground ginger, cinnamon, or cloves, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the amount of salt you add to the batter.
Storage
You can store the gingerbread in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, let the gingerbread sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to grease your baking pan well to prevent the gingerbread from sticking.
- Don’t overmix the batter; otherwise, the gingerbread will be tough.
- Make sure to let the gingerbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
This recipe is based on the classic gingerbread recipe that was popularized in the 19th century. Gingerbread was often served in Europe during the Christmas season and was seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the gingerbread will be denser and have a nuttier taste.
Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?
Yes, you can use blackstrap molasses, but the gingerbread will be less sweet and have a more intense flavor.
Can I add more spices to the batter?
Yes, you can add more spices to the batter, but be careful not to overpower the ginger flavor.
The Sammy Davis Jr Sweet Gingerbread Man is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its rich history and delicious taste make it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves baking. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste buds. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!