Old-fashioned Gingerbread

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a timeless, cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm and inviting aromas of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon. This classic recipe yields a moist, tender cake with a deep, rich flavor that’s both spicy and sweet, capturing the essence of holiday baking. Perfect for cold winter days or as a nostalgic treat anytime, Old-Fashioned Gingerbread can be enjoyed on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this gingerbread is sure to bring comfort and joy with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup molasses
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup hot water
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until well combined.
3. Add the Molasses: Stir in the molasses until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, alternating with the hot water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Gingerbread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

This Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a heartwarming dessert that brings the nostalgic flavors of yesteryear to your table, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays or anytime you crave a taste of comfort.