This Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake is a moist, flavorful treat filled with warm spices and rich molasses, perfect for dessert or with a cup of tea.
Introduction:
If you’re looking for a dessert with bold flavors, look no further than Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake. This cake is a rich, dark, and incredibly moist treat with a deep, spicy flavor from fresh and ground ginger, combined with molasses and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. Originating from Jamaican cuisine, this ginger cake is known for its intense flavor and sticky texture, thanks to the use of dark treacle or molasses, which gives it that characteristic richness. Whether served plain, with whipped cream, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, this cake is perfect for anyone who loves the robust flavor of ginger and wants something a little different from the usual dessert fare.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup molasses or black treacle
- 1/4 cup golden syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Melt the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, molasses, and golden syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add Fresh Ginger and Vanilla: Stir the grated fresh ginger and vanilla extract into the melted mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently. Stir in the milk until combined.
- Add Eggs: In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then gently fold them into the batter until smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cake will become stickier as it cools.
How to Prepare:
- Spices: The key to this cake’s deep flavor is a mix of both ground and fresh ginger, paired with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Adjust the spice levels to your preference.
- Molasses: Molasses or black treacle gives the cake its characteristic stickiness and dark color. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with dark corn syrup, though the flavor will be milder.
- Serving: For an indulgent treat, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings:
- Yields: 8-10 slices
FAQs:
1. Can I freeze Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake?
- Yes! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
2. Can I substitute golden syrup with honey?
- Yes, golden syrup and honey are interchangeable in this recipe. Golden syrup will give a more traditional flavor, but honey works well too.
3. What can I use instead of molasses?
- If you don’t have molasses or black treacle, dark corn syrup or even maple syrup can be used. However, the flavor won’t be as deep and rich as the original recipe.
4. Can I add other spices to the cake?
- Definitely! You can experiment with cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice for added complexity in flavor.
5. How do I make the cake extra sticky?
- For an extra sticky texture, brush the top of the cake with a little warm molasses or golden syrup while it’s still warm from the oven.
Conclusion:
This Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and the warming spice of ginger. Its moist, sticky texture combined with the rich flavor of molasses and spices makes it a comforting dessert, perfect for cool evenings or festive gatherings. The cake is easy to make but has a gourmet flair that will impress guests. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve it warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert experience. Whether you’re new to ginger cakes or a seasoned fan, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
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