Old-Fashioned Molasses Cakes

Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Old-Fashioned Molasses Cakes are rich, spiced cookies with deep molasses flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings or satisfying a sweet tooth with warm ginger and nutmeg notes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup sour milk or buttermilk
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1 teaspoon ginger or nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 325°F until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To add a twist, incorporate spices like cinnamon or cloves along with the ginger or nutmeg. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing, and if the batter seems too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These molasses cakes are delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You might enjoy them alongside Chewy Oatmeal Fruit Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover molasses cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashioned Molasses Cakes contains roughly 548 calories, with 11g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1392mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

548 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.2g 22% DV
Total Fat 9g 12% DV
Carbs 109.5g 40% DV
Fiber 7.3g 26% DV
Sugar 11.2g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1392mg 61% DV
Potassium 741.7mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 30.8mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 72mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 15.7mg 17% DV
Calcium 206.8mg 16% DV
Iron 5.3mg 29% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but it may change the texture slightly. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.

What can I do if my batter is too thick?

If your batter is too thick, you can add a little more sour milk or buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can mix in a bit of warm water to loosen the batter without altering the flavor significantly.

How can I make these cakes more festive?

To make these cakes more festive, consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top once they're cooled, or serve them with a spiced cream cheese frosting for an extra special treat.

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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