Ginger-Molasses Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

A rich, spiced ginger-molasses cake with deep flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a nostalgic treat for those who love warm, hearty desserts.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter or lard
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Cream molasses, sugar, and butter together.
  2. Add beaten eggs to the creamed mixture.
  3. Sift dry ingredients including flour, ginger, and salt, then add to the mixture.
  4. Combine boiling water with soda and add to the batter last.
  5. Pour batter into a prepared baking pan and bake in a preheated 350°F oven until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you're out of molasses, maple syrup can be a suitable substitute, though it will slightly alter the taste. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you want a spicier cake, increase the ginger to 2 teaspoons. Also, sifting the dry ingredients helps avoid lumps and ensures a lighter cake.

Serving Suggestions

This ginger-molasses cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a slice of Cool And Creamy Chocolate Pie. A cup of spiced chai or coffee also complements its rich flavors perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover ginger-molasses cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ginger-Molasses Cake contains roughly 723 calories, with 14g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2713mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).

723 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.5g 27% DV
Total Fat 12.2g 16% DV
Carbs 144.7g 53% DV
Fiber 7.4g 26% DV
Sugar 18.7g 37% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2712.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 1089.2mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 111.9mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 90.9mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 23.1mg 26% DV
Calcium 279.2mg 21% DV
Iron 6.4mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

What can I use instead of eggs?

If you need an egg substitute, consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until gel-like). These alternatives will help bind the ingredients while keeping the cake moist.

How can I make this cake more visually appealing?

To enhance the presentation, consider dusting the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple icing made from powdered sugar and water over the top. Adding candied ginger pieces as a garnish can also add a nice touch and extra flavor.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →