Elizabeth'S Gingerbread
A fragrant, spicy gingerbread with warm spices and rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, soda, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Cut in butter to make a crumb mixture.
- Take out 1 cup of crumbs and set aside.
- Add molasses, buttermilk, and eggs to the remaining dry mixture and mix well.
- Pour the batter into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger along with the ground spices. You can substitute the buttermilk with yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing, and be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. This gingerbread pairs beautifully with Estelle'S Instant Banana Pudding for a delightful dessert combo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat. This gingerbread also goes well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or serve alongside Cheddar Potato Slices for a savory contrast. It can also be enjoyed with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elizabeth'S Gingerbread contains roughly 1673 calories, with 19g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2050mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might want to use a blend of both for a lighter result while still benefiting from the whole grain.
What can I use if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.
How do I know when the gingerbread is done baking?
The gingerbread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Additionally, the top should spring back when lightly pressed, indicating that it has set properly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).