Introduction
Gingerbread cake is a traditional Christmas dessert that is loved for its spicy taste and soft texture. Many people enjoy this cake in autumn and winter, which makes it appropriate for any gathering. It does so by including the right amounts of ginger, cinnamon and molasses to create a festive treat that’s reminiscent of holidays.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup white sugar or cane sugar,
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
A cupful of molasses,
One beaten large egg,
One tea spoonful vanilla extract,
1 hot water.
Instructions:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Leave aside.
Butter should be beaten in a large bowl by an electric mixer until creamy. Now add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat well until fluffy.
Then molasses is added. Beating continues till combined with other ingredients. Hot water should gradually be mixed with it until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones in three separate loads mixing thoroughly after each addition.
After that stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract completely.
The batter ought to be poured into the already prepared baking pan as uniformly as possible.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or till toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
The cake should cool on wire rack before being served while still in pan
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve: It’s best when served warm with whipped cream on top of it or you can serve it with vanilla ice cream scooped onto it or alternatively drizzle some lemon glaze over its surface. Cups of coffee are wonderful with this cake or hot cider alongside it too.
Storage: Place any leftover cake inside a container having an air-tight lid so as to prevent unwanted moisture from reaching it at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively wrap tightly in plastic wrap then freeze for about three months for longer storage periods. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips for Success
Do measurements with accuracy: Make sure you measure your ingredients exactingly, especially the flour and baking soda for a compact or too dry cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients: To make the batter smoother and have a better texture, use room temperature butter and eggs.
Don’t over mix: Mix your batter until the ingredients just come together to prevent a tough cake.
Oven Preheating Properly: Make sure that your oven is adequately preheated to the right temperature before baking.
Health Benefits
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves varieties are full of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects on human body system.
Molasses- A good source of iron, magnesium calcium as well as potassium.
Moderation: Eating gingerbread cake within limits can be part of a healthy eating plan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings)
Calories – 290
Fat – 9g
Carbohydrates – 50g
Protein – 3g
Fiber – 1g
Sugar – 30g
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and use flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of chicken egg.
Spices: Add some cardamom powder; it will give it an additional taste layering flavors. Toppings: Garnish with cream cheese frosting or dust with powdered sugar for an added twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:Can I make this cake ahead of time? A:Yes, gingerbread cake can be made a day or two in advance.Keep it fresh by placing it in an airtight container.
Q:Can I use blackstrap molasses? A:It may alter the taste of the cake as blackstrap molasses is more bitter and less sweet than regular molasses. Use it if you want a less sweet cake with a deeper flavor.
Q: What can I do to make the cake more moist? A: Be sure not to overbake it. For extra moisture, add one tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt into the batter.
Q: What can I use instead of molasses? A:Molasses could be substituted by dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup in equal amounts although there will be some changes in taste.
Conclusion:
Gingerbread cake is an amazing desert that one can use during holiday parties or even when having a homey event. Hence, with the warm spices and rich flavors of molasses, it offers you a taste of tradition on your table. Take pleasure in eating this cake with your favorite toppings as you get lost in the timeless tastes which make up this sweet oldie.
