Grandma'S Molasses Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist molasses cake with warm cinnamon flavor, perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, offering a nostalgic taste of classic homemade baking.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sweet milk
  • 1 cup butter

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  2. Combine sweet milk, eggs, molasses, and butter in a mixing bowl.
  3. Beat well until smooth.
  4. Add cinnamon and flour to the mixture and stir until well combined.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake in a 350°F oven on an old wood stove for about 30 minutes.
  7. Check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. You can replace the sweet milk with buttermilk for a slight tang. If you want to reduce fat, substitute half of the butter with applesauce. Make sure to check the cake a few minutes early since baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the molasses cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it alongside a slice of Maple-Apple Crisp for a comforting dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover molasses cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Molasses Cake contains roughly 453 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value).

453 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5g 10% DV
Total Fat 25.7g 33% DV
Carbs 49.8g 18% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 14.6g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 67mg 3% DV
Potassium 247.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 61.5mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 68.7mg 5% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness in the cake.

What can I do if my cake is too dense?

If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not measuring the flour correctly. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Also, ensure you mix just until combined for a lighter texture.

How can I enhance the spices in the cake?

To enhance the spices in your molasses cake, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg. You can also increase the cinnamon to suit your taste. These spices complement the molasses flavor beautifully and add warmth to the cake.

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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