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Old-Fashioned Gingerbread

Square slice of Old-Fashioned Gingerbread dusted with powdered sugar on a pink plate.
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This Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a rich, moist, and spiced holiday cake made with molasses, brown sugar, and warming spices. A classic dessert perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Pinch of ground black pepper
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, molasses, boiling water, and butter until the butter is fully melted.
  3. Whisk in baking soda and salt. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
  4. Add the egg and whisk until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper.
  6. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overbake or the cake may dry out.
  • Let the cake rest overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Wrap tightly for storage at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Pumpkin pie spice can be used as a substitute for individual spices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/old-fashioned-gingerbread-method/