Looking for a delicious and festive dessert to impress your guests? Look no further than this scrumptious Gingerbread Cake with Molasses recipe! It’s easy to make, bursting with warm spices, and perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy Sunday brunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich flavors: This cake is packed with the comforting flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making it the ultimate winter treat.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Versatile: Whether you top it with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or enjoy it plain, this cake is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredient Notes:
Wet Ingredients:
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a hint of sweetness.
- Unsulfured molasses: Gives the cake its signature gingerbread flavor.
- Hot water: Helps to dissolve the molasses and blend the ingredients.
Dry Ingredients: - All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves: Infuse the cake with warm, spicy flavors.
- Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the cake.
Optional Ingredients: - Finely chopped crystallized ginger: Adds a burst of flavor and texture.
- Whipped cream and caramel sauce for topping: Elevate the cake and add a touch of indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and applesauce, mixing well.
- Stir in the molasses and hot water until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in the crystallized ginger if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Helpful Tips:
- For a more intense ginger flavor, increase the amount of ground ginger.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Swap out the applesauce for mashed banana for a different twist on this recipe.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.
- Adjust the spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Gingerbread Cake with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it until ready to serve.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, this cake freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of unsulfured molasses? While blackstrap molasses has a stronger flavor, it can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the cozy flavors of the holiday season with this delectable Gingerbread Cake with Molasses recipe. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Gingerbread Cake Recipe with Molasses Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread with this moist and flavorful cake made with molasses. The addition of crystallized ginger adds a delightful burst of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 cup hot water
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
- Whipped cream for topping
- Caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg, applesauce, and molasses, mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water.
- Stir in crystallized ginger if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Serve with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the amount of ground ginger and cloves.
- For an extra indulgent treat, top the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg