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Traditional Homemade Gingerbread: Moist, Sweet and Perfectly Spiced

July 7, 2014 Filed Under: Desserts

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. Gingerbread

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.

Gingerbread recipe in Aunt Jeanne's handwriting

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

piece of gingerbread
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Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 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 1/3rd 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

Filed Under: Desserts Tagged With: cake, Christmas recipes, ginger, gingerbread, holiday, Lalanne family recipe




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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennp

    July 7, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    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

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth

    July 8, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    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!!)

    Reply
  3. Tami

    July 9, 2014 at 6:07 am

    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. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Cynthia

    July 11, 2014 at 10:24 am

    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.

    Reply
  5. Kristina & Millie

    July 16, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    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 🙂

    Reply
  6. Natasha in Oz

    July 16, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    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

    Reply
  7. bel

    July 17, 2014 at 3:48 am

    How nice to have something like this handed down x
    Thanks for linking for Sunday Brunch
    xx

    Reply
  8. Alicia

    July 18, 2014 at 6:51 pm

    What a beautiful hand written recipe, really a treasure to have.
    I’ve pinned it to make, it looks so yummy!

    Reply
  9. Brittany Bullen

    July 29, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    Audrey, This looks SOO yummy! Pinned it! Happy Tuesday!

    Reply
  10. Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai

    November 11, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    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

    Reply
  11. Dana

    December 17, 2014 at 8:07 am

    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

    Reply
  12. Jeannee Taylor

    October 21, 2017 at 8:21 am

    I just LOVE Ginger Bread and making homemade would be the best ever! Can’t wait to try this!
    Jeannee@centsablycreative

    Reply
    • Audrey

      October 21, 2017 at 10:18 am

      It is so delicious and easy to make.

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I'm Audrey, an avid "maker" that believes home made is better. Rediscover the simple pleasures of cooking and eating real foods that nourish your body, mind and spirit. I'll show you how easy it can be. Read More…

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