Are you craving the cozy comfort of a warm, spiced gingerbread? Forget store-bought; this Betty Crocker-inspired gingerbread recipe will transport you to a winter wonderland with its irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, quick dinner ideas, or a special treat for the holidays. Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert that's both simple and satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x13 inch baking pans. This ensures your gingerbread doesn't stick and gives you a nice, even bake.
Cream together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your electric mixer will be your best friend! Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps!
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the molasses and boiling water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake to perfection: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary!
Cool and enjoy: Let the gingerbread cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost, slice, and enjoy this delicious homemade treat.
Cooking Tips for the Best Gingerbread:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure it cremes well with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough gingerbread.
- Let it cool completely: Cutting into warm gingerbread will result in a crumbly mess. Patience is key!
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Citrus zest: A little orange or lemon zest brightens up the flavor profile.
- Glaze it: A simple cream cheese frosting or a tangy lemon glaze elevates this classic gingerbread recipe.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Calorie count and macro nutrient details can easily be calculated using an online nutrition calculator once your specific ingredient brands and quantities are known. This makes it easy to adjust this recipe to align with your healthy meal goals.
This Betty Crocker-inspired gingerbread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. Enjoy this easy, delicious, and healthy recipe – a true testament to the joys of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a heartwarming gingerbread experience!