| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 55 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 6g | 4g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 1g | 5g | 0.3g |
Despite my penchant for maritime fare, I love branching out to learn and share new recipes, especially when they involve wholesome vegetables and a touch of classic indulgence. Take our Homemade Gingerbread recipe, for example. I hold a special affinity for this delight due to its intriguing blend of nostalgia and nutritional benefit.
The Allure of Gingerbread
I grew up in the chilly embrace of New England winters, where comfort food took on a whole new meaning. The smell of gingerbread wafting through our Portland home was a warm welcome on the coldest of days. Today, as I whisk this healthy, vegetable-inspired take on the classic treat in my own kitchen, it transports me and my daughters, Erin and Samantha, back to those simple days of childhood.
The Healthful Side of Homemade Gingerbread
Aside from my personal predilection to this recipe, it’s worth noting the nutritious side of Homemade Gingerbread. The ginger in the recipe isn’t just for taste; it’s a surprisingly beneficial health ingredient. Research shows that ginger can aid digestion, reduce nausea, and even help fight the flu, among other benefits. Plus, the other spices—cinnamon and cloves—add their share of health perks, from improving heart health to combating bacteria.
A Delicious Pairing
This Homemade Gingerbread pairs well with a variety of dishes. For an indulgent breakfast, try it with a frothy, homemade buttermilk latte. And for dessert? It perfectly complements a scoop of vanilla ice cream, offering a contrasting warmth to the frosty delight. Imagine serving this at your holiday feast alongside traditional chestnut stuffing or cranberry relish—the flavors harmonize in a melody that sings of festive times.
Whether it’s the lingering warmth of the spices, the memory-infused attraction, the health benefits, or its versatility as a companion to other dishes, there’s plenty to adore about our Homemade Gingerbread. As these traces of molasses and brown sugar simmer in my New England kitchen, I’m reminded that sometimes, the best recipes are those steeped in memories while nurturing our bodies.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup warm water
Method
Step One
Firstly, assemble all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 3/4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. Stir these together until they are well blended.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, cream 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of dark brown sugar together. Once they are well mixed, beat in 1 large egg.
Step Four
Stir in 1/2 cup of molasses and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Slowly pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring constantly. Ensure that these are combined well.
Step Five
Gradually add 1 cup of warm water into your batter. Stir this until it’s smooth. Pour the final mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step Six
Bake your gingerbread in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake reveals it’s fully cooked.
Step Seven
Allow your gingerbread to cool in the pan before cutting it into squares and serving. Enjoy your homemade gingerbread!
