Molasses Cake is a rich, warmly spiced dessert that harks back to early American and colonial kitchens, where molasses was a staple sweetener. This old-fashioned cake is dense and moist, flavored with the deep sweetness of molasses and lightly spiced. Often served during colder months, it's a comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. This version comes from a handwritten heirloom recipe notebook, preserving the rustic charm and history of generations past.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 4 tbsp shortening (or butter)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup sour milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups flour (enough to make a stiff batter)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Sugar and Molasses
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and molasses.
- Add the shortening and cream together until smooth.
Step 2: Mix in Milk and Leavening
- Dissolve the baking soda in the sour milk.
- Stir this mixture into the sugar and molasses mixture.
- Add salt, mixing well.
Step 3: Add Flour
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time.
- Stir until a stiff batter forms.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips
- Substitute buttermilk for sour milk for extra tenderness.
- Add ½ tsp ground cloves or nutmeg for deeper spice flavor.
- Replace molasses with dark corn syrup for a milder taste.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Can also be made into cupcakes (bake 20–25 min).
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Molasses Cake Is good 1½ cup sugar ½ cup molasses 4 tablespoons shortening 1/3 or 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup sour milk 1½ tsp. soda Want 3 cups flour 2⅔ [unclear] flour [unclear] vanilla Must have sour milk raisins ground [unclear]
From Transcription to Instructions
We love that original directions, short and to the point, but it left a couple things hanging, so we turned that quick note into our instructions to make the order easy to follow. For example, the original just lists soda and sour milk, and our instructions show dissolving the soda in the milk before stirring it into the sugar/molasses/shortening mix. The note also wiggles on flour amount, so our instructions use about 3 cups and tell you to add it gradually until you have a stiff batter, plus a clear bake time and temperature.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 180IUCalcium: 65mgIron: 1.6mg
