Grandma Brown’s Gingerbread 🎄
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 18 slices
Calories per serving: 180.7
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review Count: 24
Description:
Grandma Brown was my great-grandmother on my father’s side, and while I never had the pleasure of meeting her, I remember my grandma making her famous gingerbread. Last Christmas, I decided to carry on the tradition by baking up a batch to share with my family, and now, I’m excited to share the recipe with you! This old-fashioned gingerbread is a dense cake, packed with warm spices and rich molasses flavor. If you’re looking for a light and fluffy gingerbread, this might not be the recipe for you, but if you’re ready to dive into a slice of nostalgia, then let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Sugar |
| 1/2 cup | Shortening |
| 1/2 cup | Molasses |
| 1 cup | Boiling water |
| 2 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1 tsp | Baking powder |
| 2 cups | Flour |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Ground ginger |
| 3/4 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
Instructions:
- Grease either a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans, ensuring thorough coverage to prevent sticking.
- Cut a piece of parchment or waxed paper to fit the bottom of the pan, ensuring easy removal of the gingerbread after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
- To the creamed sugar and shortening mixture, add the molasses and boiling water, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs until light and frothy, then add them to the batter, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your pan.
- Once baked, allow the gingerbread to cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, but it’s delicious any time of day!
Tips for Success:
- For a more intense ginger flavor, you can increase the amount of ground ginger to suit your taste preferences.
- Be sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can result in a tough texture.
- If you’re unsure if the gingerbread is fully baked, test it with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
- Leftover gingerbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days, or it can be frozen for longer-term storage. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- To reheat leftover gingerbread, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in a low oven until heated through.
With its rich molasses flavor and warm spices, Grandma Brown’s Gingerbread is sure to become a family favorite for generations to come. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of this classic treat fill your home with holiday cheer!
