Handwritten recipe card for Gingerbread
by: salvagedrecipes

Old-Fashioned Molasses Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread
This old-fashioned gingerbread recipe yields a deeply spiced, moist cake perfect for chilly afternoons or holiday tables. Made with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this gingerbread captures the warm, cozy flavors that define comfort baking. It’s simple yet nostalgic, using pantry staples and one bowl. Often served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, it can also be elevated with whipped cream or lemon sauce. A true celebration of traditional baking and spice-forward flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 2½ cups flour
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Shortening and Sugar

  • Cream together the shortening and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth.

Step 2: Add Egg and Molasses

  • Beat in the egg and then stir in the molasses until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Step 5: Add Hot Water

  • Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and well blended.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips

  • Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of applesauce for extra moisture.
  • Fold in ½ cup raisins or chopped dates for a classic variation.
  • Replace half the hot water with strong coffee for deeper flavor.
  • Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting.
  • Add orange zest for a citrus-spice twist.
  • Bake in muffin tins for individual gingerbread cakes (reduce bake time).
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or lemon sauce, traditional pairings.
  • Use butter instead of shortening for richer flavor (texture will differ slightly).
  • Add ¼ teaspoon black pepper for an old-world “pepper cake” note.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 3.2gFat: 9.1gSaturated Fat: 2.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 214mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 85IUCalcium: 58mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword comfort food, gingerbread, heirloom recipes, holiday spice, molasses cake, old-fashioned baking, vintage recipe
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