Gingerbread With Lemon Sauce
A warm, spiced gingerbread cake paired with a tangy lemon sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, blending rich flavors with bright citrus notes.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup margarine (Country Crock), softened ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- Lemon Sauce (recipe follows) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9x2-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, and salt.
- Stir in softened margarine (Country Crock), water, and molasses until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm with Lemon Sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don’t have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients for a lighter texture. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar slightly if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gingerbread warm for the best flavor, drizzled generously with the lemon sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a side of Sweet And Sour Cooked Cabbage for a contrasting flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gingerbread With Lemon Sauce contains roughly 151 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 672mg per serving (29% 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 fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute fresh ginger for ground ginger. Use about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for every teaspoon of ground ginger. Keep in mind that fresh ginger has a stronger flavor, so adjust according to your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check the labels on your baking powder and other ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free.
How can I make the lemon sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the lemon sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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).