Great Grandmother Shiffer'S Molasses Cake
A rich, moist molasses cake with a tender crumb, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday desserts, featuring deep caramel flavors and a delightful crumb topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and margarine; work into crumb-like mixture.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of crumbs for topping.
- Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to molasses.
- Add molasses mixture to dry ingredients and mix by hand until combined.
- Pour batter into a long pan.
- Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top of the batter.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If margarine isn't available, you can substitute with unsalted butter. To enhance the cake's texture, try adding a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of ground ginger. If you prefer a vegan version, use coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. This cake is quite forgiving, so feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Great Grandmother Shiffer's Molasses Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Dianne'S Marinated Carrots for a comforting meal. You could also complement it with a warm cup of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover molasses cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold with a cup of tea.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Grandmother Shiffer'S Molasses Cake contains roughly 512 calories, with 13g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1736mg per serving (75% 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 substitute sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. Keep in mind that using a liquid sweetener may alter the cake's texture, so adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or too much flour. Ensure you measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, try not to overmix once you add the wet ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be mixed into the batter for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if you add a significant amount of extras to maintain the right consistency.
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).