Description
Molasses cake is a warmly spiced, deeply flavorful dessert with a moist and tender crumb. Made with pantry staples like molasses, cinnamon, and ginger, it’s a nostalgic treat perfect for cozy gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) molasses
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in the molasses until fully combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with warm water, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use regular molasses for a milder flavor; blackstrap will yield a more bitter cake.
- Add nuts or raisins for texture and traditional variation.
- Replace half the water with brewed tea or coffee for added depth.
- Flavor improves after a day—great for make-ahead baking.
- Top with powdered sugar, glaze, or whipped cream as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
