Spicy Gingerbread
A spicy, fragrant gingerbread with warming spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, combining rich molasses, ginger, and cinnamon for a classic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon together.
- Beat eggs with brown sugar, molasses, and melted shortening until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until smooth.
- Mix vinegar with boiling water and add to the batter, stirring until well blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier gingerbread, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using fresh ginger instead of ground. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you're out of molasses, honey or dark corn syrup can work in a pinch, though the flavor will slightly differ. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy gingerbread warm, perhaps topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Boursin Cheese Dip for a unique appetizer option. Consider serving it alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gingerbread 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, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Gingerbread contains roughly 244 calories, with 2g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% 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 batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, bake it ahead of time and store it as mentioned in the storage section to enjoy later.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg. This will help maintain moisture and provide a slight sweetness, making it a good fit for this spicy gingerbread.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients together in the absence of gluten.
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).