Whether you need a fabulous treat for Christmas time or are just looking to spice up a summer week day, this easy Homemade Gingerbread is sure to please. 
My Goddaddy recently sent me an envelope stuffed full of treasures. Old letters written by family members and one handwritten recipe for "My Best Gingerbread". I knew the handwriting immediately: Aunt Jeanne (his mom). I also knew that I had to make it right away. And by sheer coincidence I had picked up a jar of molasses from the clearance rack just that morning.
After posting the picture below on Facebook, no one in the family remembered this recipe.
The first problem I found was there is no pan size listed. She might have copied the recipe assuming she would know what to use and not even considering one of us trying to make this years down the road. Let that be a lesson to you - get the family recipes and verify them before it is too late!!!!!
Ma'am and I went back and forth on what to use. I was stumped by the fact that it baked "in a moderate oven 325 - 350 degrees F about 10-15 min." I knew an 8" round would take longer, but I tried it anyway. It took longer, probably in the 20-25 minute range.
But, I thought I'd try it again in a 13 x 9 pan to see if that would be closer to the 10-15 minute mark. It took about 20 minutes, and was incredibly thin. Conclusion, go with a 9" square or 9" round and don't try to match the time on the original recipe. An 8" pan can be used if that's what you have.
[click_to_tweet tweet="Moist, sweet and perfectly spiced Gingerbread. Perfect for Christmas or anytime. #gingerbread #homemadegingerbread" quote="Moist, sweet and perfectly spiced Gingerbread. Perfect for Christmas or anytime. #gingerbread #homemadegingerbread" theme="style2"]
Gingerbread
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ cup hot water (scant)
- powdered sugar or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil and flour a 9" round or 9" square pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter until light then add sugar gradually until fully incorporated. Add egg and mix for 2 minutes on medium. Add molasses and mix until combined.
- Sift flour and then measure in to a medium bowl. Add soda and spices. sift three more times or stir with a whisk for about 30 seconds.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients about ⅓rd at a time, scraping sides of bowl and fully incorporating each time. Add hot water. BATTER WILL BE THIN!
- Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool on a cooling rack. To prevent sticking, cut with a serrated knife dipped in flour.
Until next time, happy eating (and write down the family recipes!)
~Audrey
Jennp
I love Gingerbread! It is one if my favorites and Christmas in July ..... Priceless! Thanks for linking up! #merrymonday stopping by from http://www.everafterinthewoods.com
Elizabeth
I love gingerbread!! Anytime. I remember those few moments when my mom would bake some. There is a sweet richness that doesn't compare. I am pinning this to make. Thanks for sharing. (And, don't you just love old handwritten recipes. Sometimes there is a smidgen of flour on them that just makes them memorable!!)
Tami
I love the story behind this recipe. I love it even more that you decided to give it a go. It looks and sounds so delicious. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. 🙂
Cynthia
Who says we should have to wait until December to enjoy gingerbread? A dish this good deserves to be eaten all year. Thank you for linking at the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you again next week.
Kristina & Millie
Oh I love gingerbread and yes, year round please! We don't believe in that seasonal/holiday stuff here no sir! BBQ year round, turkey and sweet taters for Labor Day, gingerbread any time you want! I love it with a dollop of cool whip! This is a must make, thanks for sharing it and your story with us 🙂
Natasha in Oz
That looks so delicious! I love gingerbread but have never found a good recipe. Thanks for sharing this at the Say G’Day Saturday linky party! I’ve pinned this to try it soon.
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
bel
How nice to have something like this handed down x
Thanks for linking for Sunday Brunch
xx
Alicia
What a beautiful hand written recipe, really a treasure to have.
I've pinned it to make, it looks so yummy!
Brittany Bullen
Audrey, This looks SOO yummy! Pinned it! Happy Tuesday!
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai
I'm having a great time co-hosting The Ultimate Virtual Cookie & Goodies Part & Giveaway. Thanks for linking up your tasty recipe! Who doesn't love gingerbread at Christmastime? Stop back by the party and exchange more recipes. Pinned, Shared, and Tweeted... 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Dana
I haven't made gingerbread in years. This recipe looks enticing. Now to get molasses and cloves ...
Hi from Retro Re-Pin Party 22 http://somebodysdinner.blogspot.com/2014/12/retro-re-pin-party-22.html
Jeannee Taylor
I just LOVE Ginger Bread and making homemade would be the best ever! Can't wait to try this!
[email protected]
Audrey
It is so delicious and easy to make.