Grandma Wamsley'S Gingerbread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Cuisine: American

Grandma Wamsley's Gingerbread offers warm, spicy flavors with a moist texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter afternoons. A nostalgic treat for all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp ginger
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Cream together the shortening and brown sugar.
  2. Add the egg and molasses, and mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with boiling water, and stir until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into a floured pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter gingerbread, consider replacing half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also experiment with different types of sweeteners, such as maple syrup or honey, to give it a unique flavor. If you don’t have cloves, you can substitute with allspice or nutmeg. Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This gingerbread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a spiced apple cider or a slice of Cherry Chiffon Pie. It also goes well with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect treat for the holidays.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for several months. When reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Wamsley'S Gingerbread contains roughly 434 calories, with 0g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

434 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.4g 1% DV
Total Fat 30.5g 39% DV
Carbs 42.2g 15% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 38.8g 78% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 245.9mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 1.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 76.2mg 6% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Contains 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser texture. To lighten it up, consider using a mix of both flours or adding a bit more liquid to the batter.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this gingerbread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture. The flavor will remain delicious and comforting!

What can I add to enhance the flavor of the gingerbread?

You can enhance the flavor by adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, or including chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries can also provide a nice contrast to the spices.

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).

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