Old Fashioned Molasses Cake made with warm spices and sweet molasses, is a classic American dessert that has been around for many years.
It’s easy to make that will bring back happy memories of family dinners at home. The spicy scent from the oven as it bakes will fill your house with a cozy warmth and the comforting flavor of this homemade cake will make you feel like a kid again!
With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, even novice bakers can master this classic dessert in no time. So, let’s get started!
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What is Old Fashioned Molasses Cake?
Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is an iconic American dessert that has been famous for generations. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors, making it ideal for any occasion.
This dense cake gets its flavor from dark molasses mixed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It brings a sense of nostalgia to any dinner table and reminds us of the old-fashioned restaurants that used to serve this dish.
The decadently moist texture makes it a favorite among children, while its subtle sweetness will delight even the most sophisticated palates. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or a casual family gathering, Molasses Cake is sure to be a hit!
What does it taste like?
Molasses Cake is a comforting and sweet dessert that has a unique flavor. The rich sweetness of the molasses pairs perfectly with the warm spices, giving it an earthy and slightly spicy taste.
The cake itself is dense but not heavy, making it moist and delicious. It’s also subtly sweet, so it won’t overpower your palate. If you like, you can add a dollop of whipped topping to give it an extra creamy texture.
How did I first get introduced to the Old Fashioned Molasses Cake?
I first got introduced to the Old Fashioned Molasses Cake when I was visiting Madison, Wisconsin a few years back. After a long day of sightseeing, my friends and I decided to treat ourselves by going out for dinner at an old-fashioned restaurant.
We were all intrigued by this Molasses Cake. We had never heard of it before, so we decided to give it a try. I’m glad we did because the flavor was unlike anything else I’ve ever tasted before!
The cake itself was warm and dense, with a subtle sweetness that wasn’t too overwhelming. The molasses added an earthy flavor that perfectly complemented the warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. It was a truly unique experience.
Then I decided to learn how to make this Molasses Cake. I asked the chefs at the restaurant for tips and they were more than happy to share their recipe with me. With their guidance, I was able to make the perfect Molasses Cake at home.
Now, I’m confident in my baking abilities and have shared this procedure with many of my friends! Making Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is an enjoyable experience for me every time I make it.
The sweet flavor and comforting texture always remind me of my visit to Madison! And, who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to share this technique with others in person at the old-fashioned restaurant where it all began!
How to make Old Fashioned Molasses Cake?
Making Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is easier than you think. All you need are simple ingredients and follow the step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect Molasses Cake:
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Ingredients
- Butter: The butter is used in the cake to give it a nice, moist texture. It also helps bind all of the other ingredients together as well.
- Hot Water: Hot water is used in this to help dissolve the sugar and molasses so that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter when mixed. The hot water also helps activate the baking soda, leading to a more even rise.
- Egg: The egg helps bind the cake together and provides moisture and structure.
- Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness and complexity of flavor to the cake.
- Ginger & Cinnamon: These spices are used to add an extra layer of flavor to the cake. They add an earthy, sweet warmth that is reminiscent of the holiday season.
- Salt: The salt helps to balance out the sweetness from the sugar and molasses and adds a nice savory contrast.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used in this recipe to give structure and texture to the cake.
- Baking Soda: This is an important ingredient in the cake as it helps with leavening and gives it a nice rise.
- Molasses: The molasses is the star of this recipe! It adds a deep, rich flavor that’s reminiscent of holiday baking.
- Whipped Topping: Whipped topping can be used to finish off the cake, adding a light, airy sweetness, and a creamy texture.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together hot water, egg, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
Step 3
Add in the flour and baking soda and mix until
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. In a small bowl combine hot water and molasses stirring until dissolved.
Step 3
In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Slowly add in the egg mixture and then the molasses mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 4
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving. Top with whipped topping if using.
Tips
- You can add spices like nutmeg, cloves, and allspice for added flavor.
- Be careful when adding hot water to the batter as it can make it too runny.
- Make sure to not over mix the batter and only mix until just combined for best results.
Equipment
- bowls
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup molasses
- Whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and salt until blended. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix hot water and molasses until dissolved.
- Sift together flour and baking soda into a large bowl. Gradually stir in egg mixture then pour in the molasses mixture till combined.
- Transfer the batter to the greased pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before serving. Garnish with whipped topping if desired.
Video
Notes
- You can add spices like nutmeg, cloves, and allspice for added flavor.
- Be careful when adding hot water to the batter as it can make it too runny.
- Make sure to not over mix the batter and only mix until just combined for best results.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Old Fashioned Molasses Cake?
Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is a comforting dessert that goes great with many different sides. Since the cake has an earthy surface it pairs nicely with cold and sweet treats.
Some of the best pairings to serve Old Fashioned Molasses Cake alongside are ice cream, whipped cream, and fruit. This pairing will help to balance out the flavors of the cake while adding contrast in terms of texture.
For a more savory option, try serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese frosting for extra richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even create your own unique toppings such as caramel sauce or chocolate ganache!
How to store leftover Old Fashioned Molasses Cake?
Leftover Old Fashioned Molasses Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you would like the cake to stay fresh for longer, it is best to store it in the refrigerator and consume it within five days.
When storing the cake, make sure to completely cool it before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help the cake maintain its great flavor and texture for longer. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Due to the fact that Molasses Cake contains eggs, pregnant women should exercise cautiously when consuming this dessert.
While it is generally safe for pregnant women to consume baked goods with lightly cooked eggs, the risk of foodborne illness increases as pregnancy progresses.
Additionally, some of the spices in Old Fashioned Molasses Cake may have an effect on blood pressure levels which could potentially cause complications for pregnant women. It is recommended to discuss any concerns with a doctor prior to consuming this type of cake.
In general, it is best to avoid consuming this cake if you are pregnant. If you decide to consume this dessert, make sure that all ingredients are fresh and handled with strict hygiene standards, as well as ensuring the eggs are fully cooked.
FAQs
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. For the best results, make sure to use a combination of both!
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! To make this cake vegan, you can use oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the regular egg. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for the molasses.
Is Old Fashioned Molasses Cake Healthy?
Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is not considered to be a healthy food due to its sugar content. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, try using natural sweeteners instead of white sugar and reducing the amount of fat used in this.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn how to make this delicious Old Fashioned Molasses Cake! Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful.
We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more