YaYa’s Gingerbread
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ginger
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup water
- 4 tablespoons shortening
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg unbeaten
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
- In a small bowl, stir the molasses and water together.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and sugar.
- Add the egg and beat well until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients and molasses mixture alternately, beginning and ending with dry.
- Pour into a greased 8×8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This warm and tender gingerbread is one of Mama Shirley’s most comforting recipes; rich with molasses and fragrant spices that fill the whole house with a cozy scent. It’s best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Be sure to use a good quality molasses and don’t overbake it. The texture should stay soft and moist.
- Make sure your spices are fresh; old spices lose their punch.
- Use room temperature egg and softened shortening for better blending.
- Grease your 8×8 baking pan well, especially in the corners.
- Check the cake at 30 minutes because every oven runs a little different.
- Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to help it set.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
You can dress this old-fashioned gingerbread up or down depending on the occasion.
- Sometimes I like to top it with lemon sauce or even a bit of warm applesauce for a comforting twist.
- If you love spice, add a tiny pinch more of ginger or cloves to intensify the flavor.
- Want to make it a breakfast treat? Serve with a pat of butter and a cup of coffee.
This gingerbread pairs beautifully with my Apple and Sweet Potato Scramble for a cozy brunch, or serve it as a sweet ending to Oven Barbeque Chicken for Sunday supper.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
