Are you craving the comforting aroma of warm spices and the delightful chewiness of gingerbread? Then look no further! This Brer Rabbit Molasses Gingerbread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings. It's surprisingly easy to make, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. This recipe is a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest – quick dinner ideas don’t get much better than this comforting dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup Brer Rabbit molasses
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup boiling water
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This preparation ensures your gingerbread comes out perfectly and prevents sticking.
Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents clumps in your batter and ensures even baking.
Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender gingerbread.
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Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough gingerbread, so be gentle!
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Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The boiling water helps activate the baking soda, creating a wonderfully soft texture.
Baking & Serving:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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Let the gingerbread cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the gingerbread to set properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread:
- Use good quality molasses for the best flavor. Brer Rabbit is a classic choice!
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough gingerbread.
- Let the gingerbread cool completely before frosting or serving. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Store leftover gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Gingerbread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for an extra kick.
- Citrus Gingerbread: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Gingerbread: Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
This delicious and easy recipe provides a wonderful example of healthy meals that are quick and simple to make. Enjoy this warm, comforting, and flavorful gingerbread – it’s the perfect homemade treat for any occasion! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection of best recipes.