Gingerbread Cake
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Creating a delightful Gingerbread Cake at home can transport you to your childhood, filling the kitchen with warm and comforting spice aromas. This cake is a blend of honey, brown sugar, and fragrant spices, making it the perfect treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. As someone who has baked this cake countless times, I can assure you it’s a go-to recipe for holiday celebrations or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home with loved ones.
Reasons to Try It
Why should you make this Gingerbread Cake? For starters, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. The unique combination of honey and spices creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and comforting, making it an ideal choice for the winter months or holiday festivities. This cake is not only quick to prepare but also kid-approved, ensuring that every member of the family will enjoy a slice or two.
“I made this Gingerbread Cake for my family gathering, and it was a huge hit! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and it was so moist. I’ll definitely bake it again!” — Sarah T.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making this Gingerbread Cake is a straightforward process, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros who appreciate a simple yet satisfying recipe. The steps involve mixing dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them for a smooth batter. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this cake, even on a busy weekday!
What You’ll Need
To get started on your Gingerbread Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour (150 grams)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Honey (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup Oil (120 ml)
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (100 grams packed; powdered jaggery can be used as a substitute)
- 3/4 cup Water (180 ml)
Feel free to play around with the spices and sweeteners based on your preferences!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful cake:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 20 cm square baking pan with parchment paper and grease it well with oil. Set it aside.
- In a saucepan, pour 1/2 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until fully combined. Add the baking soda and mix thoroughly. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of water and mix again. Allow this mixture to cool.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, mixing well. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oil and brown sugar or jaggery together until smooth. Add the egg and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate half of the flour mixture, folding gently. Follow this with all of the honey mixture, mixing well. Finally, add the remaining flour and combine until smooth.
- The batter will be quite runny. Pour it into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- After cooling, carefully unmold the cake and peel off the parchment paper.
- Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious gingerbread cake!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Gingerbread Cake shines on its own, but there are several ways to elevate your serving experience. Consider dusting it with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It also complements a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful afternoon snack or dessert.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have any cake left over (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To extend its freshness, you can refrigerate it and consume it within a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices in individual bags; just ensure to wrap them securely to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some tried and tested tips to elevate your baking experience:
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip the cooling step after boiling the honey mixture; this prevents the egg from cooking prematurely.
- If you prefer a spicier cake, feel free to add more ground ginger or cinnamon to taste.
Creative Twists
While the classic Gingerbread Cake recipe is fantastic, experimenting can be even more fun! You might consider:
- Adding chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Swapping in different sweeteners, like maple syrup or agave, for a distinct flavor.
- Incorporating finely chopped nuts or dried fruits for texture and nutrition.
Your Questions Answered
1. What’s the prep time for this cake?
Prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking it will take about 40 to 45 minutes.
2. Can I substitute the oil?
Yes, you could use melted butter or applesauce for a healthier alternative.
3. Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Now that you have the complete guide to making gingerbread cake, why not treat yourself and your loved ones? This cozy dessert is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies!
Gingerbread Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 20 cm square baking pan with parchment paper and grease it well with oil. Set it aside.
- In a saucepan, pour 1/2 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until fully combined.
- Add the baking soda and mix thoroughly. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of water and mix again. Allow this mixture to cool.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, mixing well. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oil and brown sugar or jaggery together until smooth. Add the egg and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate half of the flour mixture, folding gently. Follow this with all of the honey mixture, mixing well. Finally, add the remaining flour and combine until smooth.
- The batter will be quite runny. Pour it into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- After cooling, carefully unmold the cake and peel off the parchment paper.
- Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious gingerbread cake!
