Ginny'S Gingerbread
A warm, spiced gingerbread with rich molasses flavor and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with greased wax paper.
- Cream together the shortening and sugar.
- Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the molasses until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour with ginger, soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and hot water to the creamed mixture, beating until thoroughly mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer gingerbread, consider using light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also substitute half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. To enhance the flavors, let the batter sit for 30 minutes before baking. If using whole wheat flour, you might need to adjust the liquid slightly as it absorbs more water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve gingerbread warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with coffee or spiced tea, making it an excellent dessert for gatherings. For a more festive touch, drizzle with a simple icing or serve alongside J R'S Parfait Pies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap individual pieces in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginny'S Gingerbread contains roughly 262 calories, with 1g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and potassium (11% 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 make this gingerbread recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture. The baking time may remain the same, but keep an eye on it while baking.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this gingerbread vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based shortening. Ensure that your molasses is vegan-friendly and consider using almond or soy milk instead of hot water for added flavor.
What can I add to make the gingerbread more festive?
To enhance the festive feel, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries to the batter. You can also sprinkle some candied ginger into the mix for an extra zing. Pairing it with a warm spiced apple cider can elevate the holiday experience.
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).