Description
Indulgent caramel ginger cake promises a delightful journey through warm spices and rich, golden sweetness. Delicate layers meld complex flavors, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite of this comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by coating with butter and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cream softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
- Fold in molasses, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the wet ingredients are completely integrated and create a rich, dark batter.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain the cake’s tender crumb.
- Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking and an attractive final appearance.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
- Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Create caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then introducing brown sugar and simmering for 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, generously drizzle warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Enhance the cake’s moisture by using room temperature ingredients, ensuring a smoother blend and softer texture.
- Swap traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Reduce sugar content by replacing some brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas for a healthier version.
- Boost the ginger flavor by adding finely chopped crystallized ginger to the batter or sprinkling on top of the caramel glaze for extra zing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg