This Spiced Molasses and Ginger Cake is a warm, inviting treat perfect for your holiday table. Its rich flavors and tender crumb make it a festive dessert that everyone will love. You’ll find this a delightful addition to your cake recipes for holidays.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Molasses: Use unsulphured dark molasses for the best flavor. No substitutes recommended for this key ingredient.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a vibrant kick. Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, but fresh is superior.
- Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create that classic holiday aroma. Feel free to adjust to your preference.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness. You can make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulphured dark molasses
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400
- Tools Needed: 9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
You will want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined for even distribution in your cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a good base for your cake.
4. Add Egg and Molasses
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the molasses. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Ginger
Gently fold in the freshly grated ginger. This adds a burst of fresh flavor to your Spiced Molasses and Ginger Cake.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired, to make it one of your best cake recipes for holidays.
Variation Ideas:
- Citrus Glaze: Drizzle with a simple lemon or orange glaze for a bright contrast.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top with a luscious cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
- Candied Ginger: Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped candied ginger with the fresh ginger for more texture and spice.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Spiced Molasses and Ginger Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use blackstrap molasses? While possible, blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor, which might overpower the other spices in this cake. Unsulphured dark molasses is recommended.
- My cake looks dry, what happened? Overmixing the batter or baking for too long can lead to a dry cake. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time.
- Can I make this cake in a Bundt pan? Yes, you can. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, typically adding 5-10 minutes. Make sure to grease and flour the Bundt pan very thoroughly.
- Can I prepare the batter ahead of time? It’s best to bake the cake shortly after mixing the batter for optimal texture and rise.
- What can I serve with this cake? This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to your cake recipes for holidays.
- Can I use gluten-free flour? While you can try, you may need to adjust liquid amounts, and the texture might vary. Look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.