Gingerbread cake is a traditional American dessert known for its deep molasses flavor and aromatic spice blend.
Ina Garten’s approach emphasizes balance. Molasses provides depth and moisture. Brown sugar enhances caramel notes. Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create warmth. Buttermilk adds tenderness and helps activate the baking soda for a soft rise.
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup unsulphured molasses
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven properly – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar – Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and improves texture.
Add eggs and molasses – Mix in eggs one at a time, then add molasses and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
Combine dry ingredients separately – In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to distribute evenly.
Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk – Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Transfer batter to pan – Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake until set – Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool before serving – Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-gingerbread-cake/