Are you looking for a delicious and comforting dessert that will fill your home with the warm, cozy aroma of spices? Look no further than this traditional gingerbread recipe! Made with rich molasses, fragrant spices, and a touch of brown sugar, this classic treat is a favorite around the world, especially during the holiday season. Follow these simple instructions to create a moist, flavorful gingerbread that will become a beloved family recipe for generations to come.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and eggs, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the hot water and mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 390
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic presentation. Or, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert.
Variations
For a festive twist, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped crystallized ginger to the batter. You can also substitute some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier option. For a boozy kick, add 1/4 cup of dark rum or bourbon to the batter. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as maple syrup, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. If you’re out of eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg. If you’re vegan, you can use a vegan butter substitute and flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
Storage
Store any leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the brown sugar to avoid lumps.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough or dry cake.
- Use high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- If you want a stronger ginger flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of ground ginger.
- If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Notes
This recipe makes a large cake, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. You can also divide the batter into two 9-inch round cake pans for a layered gingerbread cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this gingerbread.
Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?
You can, but keep in mind that blackstrap molasses has a stronger, more bitter flavor than regular molasses. You may need to adjust the other flavors in the recipe accordingly.
Can I use a different pan size?
You can, but keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted. If you use a smaller pan, the cake may take longer to bake. If you use a larger pan, the cake may bake faster and be thinner than intended.
This traditional gingerbread recipe is a true classic that never goes out of style. With its warm spices and rich molasses, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from holidays to cozy nights in. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe has stood the test of time?