Soft Gingerbread
About This Recipe
Soft Gingerbread is a timeless comfort bake known for its deep molasses flavor, warm spices, and tender crumb. Unlike crisp gingerbread cookies, this version is cake-like, staying moist for days and filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Prep & Baking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 30–35 minutes
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Cooling time: 20 minutes
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Total time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 9–12)
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120 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
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100 g (½ cup) brown sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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170 g (½ cup) molasses (or dark treacle)
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240 ml (1 cup) milk
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250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tbsp ground ginger
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground cloves
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¼ tsp salt
Optional:
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
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Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
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In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Beat in egg until fully combined.
Step 3: Add Molasses & Milk
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Mix in molasses (and vanilla if using).
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Gradually add milk, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
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Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Bake
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Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake at 175°C / 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Soft Gingerbread
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Do not overmix once flour is added—this keeps the crumb tender.
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Use full-flavor molasses (not blackstrap) for best taste.
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Gingerbread tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
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For extra moisture, brush warm cake lightly with milk or syrup.
Variations
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Iced Gingerbread: Drizzle with lemon or cream cheese glaze
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Spiced Version: Add nutmeg or allspice
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Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour blend
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Loaf Cake: Bake in a loaf pan at 170°C / 325°F for 40–45 minutes
Storage
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Store covered at room temperature for 3–4 days
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Refrigerate for up to 1 week
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Freeze slices for up to 2 months
Serving Suggestions
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Dust with powdered sugar
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Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
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Pair with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
Why This Gingerbread Is Loved
This Soft Gingerbread is comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. Its moist texture and warming spices make it a favorite for holidays, gatherings, or cozy evenings at home.