Craving a little taste of nostalgia? Our Favorite Old-Fashioned Gingerbread is a cozy kitchen classic and perfect for the holiday season! Soft and spiced just right, this sweet treat will remind you of snow days, warm fireplaces, and gatherings with the family. Plus, it’s simple to whip up right at home, so no need to complicate your baking day! Spoiler alert: Your home’s going to smell amazing while it’s in the oven.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Favorite Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Recipe
Growing up, did your kitchen ever fill up with that wonderful smell of warm spices wafting in the air? That’s the magic that this Favorite Old-Fashioned Gingerbread brings to life! Gingerbread isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a tradition wrapped in hugs and memories. This recipe has been passed down through generations in so many homes, baking its way into holiday traditions and cozy winter nights.What sets this gingerbread apart is its incredible texture—moist and sponge-like with a light but sticky crumb. It’s a dessert that hugs you back with every single bite. Whether you grew up eating gingerbread cookies decorated with icing or indulging in slices of cake-like gingerbread, this recipe is like a warm hug for your taste buds. And while we often hear about gingerbread around Christmas, it’s not just a holiday treat—it’s a year-round comfort dessert!
The recipe comes loaded with that signature spice: ginger, along with cinnamon, molasses, and a hint of clove that reminds you why this dessert is a timeless classic. And although it looks fancy and smells extravagant, it’s delightfully simple to bake up. Let’s dive into how to bring this retro dessert back to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A traditional gingerbread recipe with rich, nostalgic flavors
- Perfectly soft and moist with the right balance of spices
- Easy-to-make recipe, great for beginner bakers
- Perfect for gifting, holiday gatherings, or a cozy dessert
- A perfect pairing with a dollop of whipped cream or powdered sugar dusting
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flour – Use all-purpose flour for a soft crumb. You can swap half with whole wheat for a nuttier taste!
- Molasses – Gives that rich, dark flavor typical of gingerbread. Substitute with dark corn syrup if needed.
- Spices – ginger, cinnamon, cloves—don’t skip these! Ground nutmeg can be added for more warmth.
- Butter – Unsalted is best for control of flavor. Dairy-free butter works well for vegan options.
- Eggs – Vital for structure. Use flax eggs as a vegetarian swap.
- Sugar – Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and moisture.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour with the spices (ginger, cinnamon, clove).
- In a saucepan, melt butter and mix it with molasses and both sugars. Let it cool to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Whisk eggs into the cooled butter mix, followed by milk for thinning the batter.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients with the dry ones to form a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for about 35 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Once it’s finished baking, let it cool and sprinkle powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Expert Tips for Success
Make sure your spices are fresh; they’re the star of the flavor show!
Don’t overmix the batter; it can make the gingerbread dense.
Grease your pan well to avoid sticking—it’s a sticky dessert!
Let the gingerbread rest for a few minutes before slicing, as it sets while cooling.
Want extra zing? Add a teaspoon of fresh ginger for bold flavor.
Variations and Customizations
Looking for a twist on the classic? Try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter spin, or swirl in some cream cheese for extra decadence. You could even bake it into muffin tins for individual servings! For dietary needs, swap in almond or oat milk for dairy milk and use a flax egg as an egg replacement for a vegan-friendly version.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this gingerbread (based on 9 slices) comes in at about 250 calories, with 8 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. It’s a comforting treat that’s lightly spiced and perfect for indulging once in a while! The molasses adds iron and magnesium, though the sugar keeps it in the treat category. Serve in moderation and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To keep your gingerbread fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm it gently in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Recipe Card of Favorite Old-Fashioned Gingerbread
Ingredients list
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.5 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses not blackstrap
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm up your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan so it's ready for the batter.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the butter in a large bowl until it's smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the egg until fully blended, then incorporate the molasses for a smooth mixture.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, mixing just until they're combined after each addition. Then, mix in hot water until everything is smooth.
- Pour your prepared cake batter into the baking pan you prepared earlier.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean. If not, bake another 15-30 minutes checking periodically.
- Let the gingerbread cool in the pan before slicing it to serve.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the same great results.
What can I pair with gingerbread?
Serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
Is molasses essential?
Molasses is what gives gingerbread its signature dark flavor, but you can use dark corn syrup if none is available.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! Flax eggs work perfectly—just mix flaxseed meal and water for a great substitute.
How do I prevent it from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to grease your pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.