Gingerbread is a holiday classic that everyone loves. The warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread evoke feelings of coziness and warmth, making it the perfect dessert for a cold winter day. Making gingerbread from scratch is surprisingly easy and rewarding. In this post, we’ll show you how to make homemade gingerbread that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make gingerbread for 4 people:
- 350g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 150g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 150g brown sugar
- 150g molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and mix well.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until well combined.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out desired shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Variations
There are many ways to customize your gingerbread recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy kick.
- Replace the molasses with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for extra texture and flavor.
- Decorate your gingerbread with royal icing, sprinkles, or candy.
Vegan Gingerbread
To make vegan gingerbread, simply replace the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread
To make gluten-free gingerbread, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help the dough hold together.
Conclusion
With this easy and delicious gingerbread recipe, you can make your own homemade gingerbread that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re making gingerbread cookies or a gingerbread house, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get baking!
FAQ
Can I use molasses instead of treacle?
Yes, you can use molasses instead of treacle. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. Molasses is less sweet than treacle, but has a stronger flavor.
How can I make my gingerbread less dry?
To make your gingerbread less dry, try adding a little bit of applesauce or sour cream to the batter. This will help to add moisture to the finished product.
Can I make gingerbread without eggs?
Yes, you can make gingerbread without eggs by using a commercial egg replacer or by using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of each egg called for in the recipe.
Can I freeze gingerbread?
Yes, you can freeze gingerbread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How long does gingerbread last?
Gingerbread will last for about 1 week at room temperature if stored in an airtight container.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger. Use about 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger in place of 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
What can I serve with gingerbread?
Gingerbread is traditionally served with whipped cream, but you can also serve it with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Can I make gingerbread cupcakes instead of a cake?
Yes, you can make gingerbread cupcakes instead of a cake. Simply pour the batter into a lined cupcake tin and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Can I add nuts or raisins to my gingerbread?
Yes, you can add nuts or raisins to your gingerbread. Simply fold them into the batter before pouring it into the baking dish.
Can I make gingerbread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make gingerbread ahead of time. It actually tastes better when it has had time to sit and the flavors have melded together. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
