Favorite Old Fashioned Gingerbread 🍞❤️

Warm, spicy, and nostalgically delightful, this Old Fashioned Gingerbread is perfect for cozy gatherings or simply to enjoy on a chilly day. With its rich molasses flavor and aromatic spices, this gingerbread will evoke memories of grandmother's kitchen. Serve it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat! 🍦✨

Ingredients

For the gingerbread

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 cup molasses
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flake a 9-inch square baking pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then mix in the rich molasses until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.

4. Stir in the hot water until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.

5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for about 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving.

🍽️ For a delightful twist, try serving warm gingerbread with whipped cream or a side of yogurt to balance the sweetness!

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.

• Customization: Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.

• Spice Variations: Adjust spices according to your preference. For a stronger ginger flavor, increase the amount of ground ginger!

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check if it contains a binding agent to retain moistness.

• Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet version. The molasses provide enough natural sweetness!

• Pumpkin Spice: Substitute some of the molasses with pumpkin puree and add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg for a seasonal twist!

Let the warm aromas of your kitchen fill the air while you create this beloved classic! Enjoy! 🌟❤️