Grandma'S Gingerbread
Grandma's Gingerbread offers warm, spicy flavors with fragrant cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating a cozy treat perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting afternoons. Its moist texture and rich molasses taste make it a timeless favorite for those craving a nostalgic, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the shortening, molasses, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, cinnamon, ginger, and ground cloves, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added warmth, similar to flavors found in Classic Pecan Pie.
Serving Suggestions
This gingerbread pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. You can also serve it with a side of warm caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. For a cozy breakfast, enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or with Creamy Old-Fashioned Pralines for a sweet start to your day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it 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 for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Gingerbread contains roughly 1090 calories, with 7g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (68% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% 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 a different type of sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can replace sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use maple syrup or honey, though this may alter the texture slightly. Adjust the liquid content accordingly if using liquid sweeteners.
What can I do if my gingerbread is too dry?
If your gingerbread turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour. To prevent this, always measure flour accurately and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You can also serve the dry gingerbread with a drizzle of warm sauce or cream to add moisture.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if adding large chunks, as this may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
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).