Southern Spicy Gingerbread
A warm, spicy gingerbread with bold ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats, offering rich flavors and moist texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add beaten eggs to the brown sugar, molasses, and melted shortening and mix well.
- Combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt—in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding finely chopped crystallized ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter. If you don’t have shortening, vegetable oil or unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract. Ensure the boiling water is added gradually to avoid cooking the eggs in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gingerbread warm, drizzled with a simple icing or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe also makes a great addition to holiday dessert tables, complementing other sweets like Viola'S Carrot Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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, place individual slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Spicy Gingerbread contains roughly 1291 calories, with 13g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking and contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine through.
How can I make the gingerbread less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the brown sugar by 1/4 cup and increase the amount of spices to enhance the flavor. Alternatively, using unsweetened applesauce can help maintain moisture while lowering the sugar content.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, for a refreshing twist. Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can also provide added texture and flavor. Additionally, a touch of black pepper can enhance the spiciness of the gingerbread.
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).