Preheat oven to 350 ℉. 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 a third 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.