Old-Fashioned Gingerbread

📜 Collection: UK2 | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic, dark, and moist gingerbread cake rich with molasses and a warm blend of aromatic spices. This traditional recipe yields a perfect, comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with whipped cream.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins40 minsNone1 9x13 inch cake

🔪 Key Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • sifter
  • 9x13 inch baking pan

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1/3 CupFatShortening or butter, softened
1/2 CupSugarGranulated
1 CupMolassesDark
1EggBeaten
3 CupsFlourAll-purpose
1 CupMilkRoom temperature
1/2 TeaspoonBaking SodaNone
1/2 TeaspoonSaltNone
1 TeaspoonGingerGround
1/2 TeaspoonClovesGround
1/2 TeaspoonCinnamonGround

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.

Step 2: Creaming

  1. In a large bowl, cream the 1/3 cup fat and 1/2 cup sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the 1 cup molasses and 1 beaten egg until well combined.

Step 3: Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, sift together the 3 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon three times to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Combining

  1. On low speed, add the dry mixture to the creamed ingredients in three parts, alternating with the 1 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Baking

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly to the touch.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card