She Strengthens

Ginger Cake: A Delicious Treat for Any Occasion

Ginger cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for the holidays, but its warm, spicy flavors make it a great choice for summer picnics too. This recipe packs a punch with its intense ginger flavor, thanks to the generous amount of fresh ginger used.

The Perfect Balance of Spices

To start, combine flour, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk until the spices are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Set it aside for now.

Moist and Delicious

In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, oil, and sugar until you get a smooth, consistent mixture. Then, bring water to a boil in a large saucepan and whisk in baking soda. Remove from heat and whisk in the molasses mixture until well combined. Stir in the fresh ginger until it’s fully incorporated.

Combining the Mixtures

Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined. Then, stir in the eggs until the mixture is smooth. Transfer the batter to a prepared 9-inch round cake pan and spread it evenly.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the cake in a moderate oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take around 45 to 50 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Dust the cake with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Alternatively, try serving it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a unique twist.

Recipe Details

Yield: 1 (9-inch) cake, or 8 to 10 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes, plus cooling time
Active Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, for coating the pan
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for coating the pan
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 cup light (or mild) molasses
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 cup packed (peeled and minced) fresh ginger
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, at room temperature
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)