Southern Gingerbread
Southern Gingerbread offers a warm, spiced flavor profile with the richness of molasses and aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Its moist texture and comforting aroma make it a perfect treat for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations, appealing to lovers of traditional, hearty baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add beaten eggs to sugar, molasses, and melted shortening.
- Mix and sift the dry ingredients (flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and add to the wet mixture.
- Gradually add the hot boiling water and stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a shallow pan or muffin tins.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar, or try adding fruit puree for sweetness. Adding a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the gingerbread. Consider pairing this with a warm cup of tea to balance the spices in this Southern gingerbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern gingerbread warm, optionally drizzled with Penuche Nut Icing for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a spiced hot apple cider. This dessert also complements breakfast, making it a delightful choice for brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Gingerbread contains roughly 340 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1106mg per serving (48% 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 recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum to help with the texture. The baking time may need slight adjustments, so keep an eye on it for doneness.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don't have molasses, you can use dark corn syrup or honey as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. For a similar richness, consider using a mixture of maple syrup and brown sugar.
How can I enhance the flavor of the spices?
To enhance the flavor of the spices, consider toasting them briefly in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter. This will intensify their flavors. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
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).