Molasses Blueberry Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 9 Cuisine: American

This moist and flavorful molasses blueberry cake combines the rich, caramel notes of molasses with the sweet burst of fresh blueberries. Perfect for dessert or afternoon tea, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, appealing to fruit lovers and those craving hearty, comforting baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups blueberries

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased 8 x 8-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. When mixing, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. For added flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. This cake pairs beautifully with Nichole's Sweet Potato Biscuits for a delightful brunch spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this molasses blueberry cake warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a breakfast treat, enjoy it alongside fresh fruit or a side of Mandarin Spinach Salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover molasses blueberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Molasses Blueberry Cake contains roughly 486 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

486 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 27.4g 35% DV
Carbs 55g 20% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 13.6g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 551.1mg 24% DV
Potassium 127.2mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.1mcg
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 17.6mg 1% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Contains 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 frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. Just make sure to toss them in a little flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking. There's no need to thaw them beforehand, which helps retain their shape during baking.

What can I substitute for molasses?

If you don't have molasses, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a different but still sweet flavor. However, the cake will lack the distinct richness that molasses provides. For a vegan option, pure agave syrup can also work well.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Baking times may vary, so it's best to start checking around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

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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