This classic Mississippi Gingerbread recipe hails from the heart of the American South, where warm spices and rich syrups come together to create a beloved, comforting dessert. Traditionally baked during the holidays or for special gatherings, this gingerbread is moist, fragrant, and full of nostalgic flavors. The use of dark cane or Karo syrup enhances its depth, while cinnamon, ginger, and cloves deliver the spicy-sweet essence that defines gingerbread. It's a vintage recipe that captures the soul of Southern hospitality in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup oleo (margarine)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup dark cane syrup ( or Karo syrup)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Mixture
- Cream oleo and sugar together in a mixing bowl.
- Add the beaten egg and syrup. Mix well.
Step 2: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
Step 3: Add Hot Water
- Add hot water and beat until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour the batter into 2 greased 9-inch pans.
- Bake in a preheated moderate oven (325–350°F) for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Tips
- Replace oleo with unsalted butter for richer flavor.
- Use blackstrap molasses instead of Karo syrup for deeper, more robust spice notes.
- Add ½ cup raisins or chopped dates for a vintage variation.
- For a lighter texture, sift flour twice before measuring.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, lemon sauce, or powdered sugar.
- Swap spices to preference—add nutmeg for more warmth.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
MISSISSIPPI GINGERBREAD
1/2 c. sugar 1-1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 c. oleo 1 t. cinnamon
1 egg 1 t. ginger
1 c. dark cane or karo syrup 1/2 t. cloves
2-1/2 cups flour 1/2 t. salt
1 cup hot water
Cream oleo and sugar, add beaten egg, syrup and
then the dry ingredients which have been sifted together.
Add hot water and beat until smooth. Bake in 2 greased
9-inch pans in moderate (325-350) oven which has been
pre-heated for 30-35 minutes. Serves 15 generously.
Salvaged
RecipesFrom Transcription to Instructions
We took the short original directions and turned them into the instructions that walk you through the process step by step so you don’t have to guess what comes next: cream the oleo and sugar, add the egg and syrup, sift the dry spices and flour separately, then add them gradually before stirring in the hot water until smooth. The instructions also make the oven step plain by saying to preheat to 325–350°F and bake the batter in two greased 9-inch pans for about 30–35 minutes, which helps when you’re juggling bowls and a hot oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 2.8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 260IUCalcium: 37mgIron: 1.7mg
