Ma-Ma'S Gingerbread
A warm, aromatic gingerbread with rich molasses flavor and tender texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and salt onto waxed paper.
- Cream the shortening with sugar until fluffy in a large bowl.
- Beat in the molasses and egg.
- Stir in the flour mixture, half at a time, just until blended.
- Beat in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the center springs back when lightly touched.
- Leave in the pan on a rack to cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier flavor, consider adding a dash of ground cloves or nutmeg to the spice mix. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute for a richer taste. Ensure the molasses is at room temperature for easier mixing. For a gluten-free version, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
This gingerbread is delightful served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, drizzle it with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and water. It pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip for a contrasting flavor. Consider serving it alongside a hot beverage like spiced apple cider.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep it longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma-Ma'S Gingerbread contains roughly 521 calories, with 10g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1090mg per serving (47% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavors. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before pouring it into the pan and baking.
Can I substitute molasses with something else?
While molasses provides a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch. However, the taste and texture will differ slightly, so consider adding a little more spice to compensate.
What can I do if my gingerbread is too dry?
If your gingerbread turns out dry, you can serve it with a warm sauce or custard to moisten it. Alternatively, try adding a bit more hot water to the batter next time to achieve a better 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).