Old Fashion Gingerbread
A warm, spiced gingerbread with rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats, appealing to those who love classic, aromatic baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and molasses using a medium-speed mixer.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and hot water, beating well on low speed.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider using fresh ginger instead of ground ginger. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Ensure that your molasses is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a spicier version, add some cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This gingerbread also pairs wonderfully with a Creamless Cream Pie for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gingerbread warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple icing or serve alongside Honey Of A Carrot Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the gingerbread to cool completely before storing it. Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashion Gingerbread contains roughly 407 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1081mg 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 gingerbread ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat individual slices before serving for the best taste.
What can I substitute for dark molasses?
If you don't have dark molasses, you can use light molasses or even honey as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different. For a deeper flavor, consider combining light molasses with a little brown sugar to mimic the richness of dark molasses.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the gingerbread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be added to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the flour slightly if you add a significant amount of mix-ins to maintain the right batter 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).