Introduction
Favorite Old Fashioned Gingerbread is a timeless classic that brings warmth and spice to any occasion. This traditional recipe, beloved for generations, features a rich blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, creating a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for the holidays or as a comforting treat any time of year.
Detailed Description of the Recipe
Old Fashioned Gingerbread is known for its deep, spicy flavor and moist, cake-like texture. The combination of ginger and cinnamon gives it a warm, inviting aroma, while the molasses adds a unique depth of sweetness. This gingerbread is not overly sweet, making it an ideal pairing with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- Molasses: 1 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
- Egg: 1 large
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cloves: 1/2 teaspoon
- Hot Water: 1 cup
Step-by-Step Making Process
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the egg and molasses.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the molasses mixture. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the gingerbread cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes About the Recipe
- Molasses Type: For the best flavor, use unsulphured molasses.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amounts of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream, lemon sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Storage: Gingerbread can be stored in an airtight container for several days and often tastes better the next day.
Conclusion
Favorite Old Fashioned Gingerbread is a delightful recipe that brings the nostalgic flavors of ginger, molasses, and spices to your kitchen. Its warm, comforting aroma and rich taste make it a beloved treat for the holiday season and beyond. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or trying it for the first time, this gingerbread recipe is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your baking endeavors.