Easy Gingerbread Cake

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds moisture with less saturated fat.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar retains some minerals and has a lower glycemic index.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: egg replacer

Flaxseed meal is a vegan alternative that binds ingredients.

molasses

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Honey provides sweetness with a different flavor profile.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9 by 13 inch pan with parchment paper or butter it well.

In a large bowl, add 3 cups of all-purpose flour.

Add 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, scant 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt to the flour and whisk together.

Add 2 teaspoons of ginger, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of cloves to the dry mixture and whisk again.

Set the dry ingredients aside.

In a slightly smaller bowl, combine 1 cup of hot water and 1 cup of room temperature molasses, mixing until well combined.

Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the molasses mixture and whisk until dissolved.

Add 3/4 cup of melted unsalted butter to the wet mixture.

Crack 2 eggs into a separate bowl to check for shells, then add them to the wet mixture along with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.

Mix the wet ingredients until well combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until almost combined, being careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is springy to the touch.

While the cake is baking, prepare the optional frosting by combining 1 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of brown butter in a mixing bowl.

Add a pinch of salt to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until creamy.

Gradually add about 4 cups of powdered sugar to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.

Add 1/4 cup of cream to the frosting mixture to achieve a desired consistency and mix on medium speed until smooth.

Once the cake is done baking, let it cool before frosting.

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, using a scoop to create a decorative layer.

Slice and serve the cake, optionally dusting with powdered sugar.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens