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–+ servings
Carolyns Velvet Molasses Cake
Carolyn's Velvet Molasses Cake is a classic mid-century American dessert that highlights the deep, rich flavor of molasses paired with warm baking spices. Recipes like this became popular when pantry staples such as molasses and shortening were widely used in home baking. The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives the cake a soft, aromatic warmth, while sour milk adds tenderness and a subtle tang. Baked in a simple rectangular pan, this cake is straightforward yet deeply satisfying, often paired with a light frosting like mocha or vanilla. Its soft crumb and nostalgic flavor profile make it a comforting dessert that fits beautifully into both everyday baking and seasonal gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup sour milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¾ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cloves
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 2 cups flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 13 x 8-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Cream Base Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, cream together sugar and shortening until light.
  • Add egg and beat well.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Mix in the sour milk and molasses until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Mix Batter

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
  • Beat well until fully combined.

Step 6: Bake Cake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

  • Allow cake to cool completely.
  • Frost with mocha frosting or preferred icing if desired.

Tips

  • Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture
  • Use buttermilk instead of sour milk for a tangier taste
  • Add a light dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting
  • Serve warm with whipped cream
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth
  • Try a cream cheese frosting variation
  • Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crust
  • Add raisins for a more traditional molasses cake twist

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Baking, classic dessert, comfort food, molasses, spice cake, vintage, warm spices