Classic Old Fashioned Molasses Cake Recipe

A Taste of History: Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

Old fashioned molasses cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey back in time. This humble cake, with its deep, complex flavor, has roots stretching back to colonial America. Back then, molasses was a readily available and affordable sweetener, making it a staple ingredient in everyday baking.

The cake’s dense, moist texture and rich, slightly bitter sweetness were a welcome treat in simpler times. Today, it remains a beloved classic, cherished for its nostalgic flavor and comforting warmth.

Ready to experience the magic of this traditional dessert? Let’s dive into a recipe that captures the essence of old-fashioned baking.

Old Fashioned Molasses Cake Recipe

A classic dessert that’s rich in flavor and history, our Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is a staple for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 120 g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 240 ml / 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 120 g / 1 cup blackstrap molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease two 20 cm / 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together sugar, butter, buttermilk, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. Add molasses and whisk until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
5. Let cool before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 4g

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

To make this traditional dessert, gather the following essential ingredients from your pantry and baking supplies:

• 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 200 g / 1 cup brown sugar
• 120 ml / 1/2 cup molasses
• 120 ml / 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp / 5 ml baking soda
• 1 tsp / 5 ml ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp / 2 ml ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp / 2 ml ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp / 2 ml salt
• 60 g / 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor
  • 1 tsp / 5 ml vanilla extract, for enhanced aroma

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, approximately 20°C / 68°F, for optimal mixing and baking results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

This recipe yields a moist, flavorful cake with a hint of spice. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Cake Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 240 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together 170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter and 170 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 120 ml (1/2 cup) molasses.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Baking and Cooling

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting (Optional)

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also frost it with your favorite frosting. A simple cream cheese frosting or a brown butter frosting would be delicious.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

With a rich history and deep, velvety flavor, the Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is a true classic. To ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and visually appealing, follow these expert tips.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Molasses cake batter can be dense and sticky, making it prone to overmixing. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined. This will help preserve the delicate balance of flavors and textures.

Use the Right Type of Molasses

Dark molasses has a strong, robust flavor that’s perfect for this cake. Avoid using light molasses, as it can result in a cake that’s too sweet and lacks depth.

Don’t Overbake

Molasses cake is best when it’s still slightly tender in the center. To avoid overbaking, check the cake at 35-40 minutes and cover it with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using too much sugar, which can make the cake dry and crumbly.
• Failing to adjust the baking time for high altitude or extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Not letting the cake cool completely before frosting, which can cause the frosting to melt.

By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning Old Fashioned Molasses Cake that’s sure to impress.

Substitutions and Replacements

To adapt the Old Fashioned Molasses Cake recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs, consider the following substitutions:

• Replace 240 g / 1 cup white granulated sugar with 200 g / 3/4 cup brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Use 120 ml / 1/2 cup coconut oil instead of 115 g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
• Substitute 2 large eggs with 2 flax eggs* or 1/2 cup mashed banana for a vegan version.
• Reduce molasses to 60 g / 2 tablespoons for a milder flavor or increase to 90 g / 3 tablespoons for a stronger taste.

When making substitutions, note that flavor and texture may vary. For example, using coconut oil will result in a slightly denser cake, while reducing molasses will produce a lighter color and flavor.

*To make flax eggs, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Delicious Variations of Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

This classic Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to transform it into something truly special:

1. Spiced Citrus Twist

   Add a tablespoon of orange zest and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter. Top with a citrus glaze made with orange juice and powdered sugar for a bright and flavorful twist. Baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes.

2. Chocolate Molasses Dream

   Fold in 100g (1 cup) of dark chocolate chips to the batter. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake after baking for an extra decadent treat. Baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes.

3. Gingerbread Delight

   Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves to the batter. Top with a cream cheese frosting flavored with molasses and a pinch of ground nutmeg for a warm and festive cake. Baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own unique variations!

Storing and Keeping Old Fashioned Molasses Cake Fresh

After baking your Old Fashioned Molasses Cake, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its moist texture and rich flavor. Here are some practical tips to keep your cake fresh for longer.

Room Temperature Storage

For up to 3 days, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature (20°C / 68°F). Make sure it’s completely cooled before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Refrigeration

For up to 5 days, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 4°C (39°F). Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and seal it.
• Label and date the bag or container.
• Store it in the freezer at -18°C (0°F) for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating your frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Wrap it in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (302°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until warm and fragrant.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

Despite careful preparation, issues can arise during the baking process. Here are some common problems and their solutions to ensure a successful Old Fashioned Molasses Cake:

• Cake too dense or dry: This can be due to overmixing the batter or incorrect oven temperature. Check the oven temperature with an oven thermometer and ensure it’s at 180°C / 350°F. Also, mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together.
• Cake not rising properly: Insufficient leavening agents or old baking powder/soda can cause this issue. Use fresh baking powder and soda, and ensure the correct ratio of ingredients (e.g., 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour, 10 g / 2 teaspoons baking powder).
• Molasses flavor too strong: This can be due to using too much molasses (more than 120 ml / 1/2 cup) or not balancing it with other ingredients. Adjust the molasses amount and balance it with spices like ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
• Cake burning or browning too quickly: This can be caused by incorrect oven temperature or insufficient cake pan preparation. Reduce the oven temperature to 165°C / 325°F if necessary, and grease the cake pan properly with butter or cooking spray.

By addressing these common issues, bakers can achieve a delicious and moist Old Fashioned Molasses Cake with a rich, balanced flavor.

Nutritional Information

This Old Fashioned Molasses Cake is a delicious treat, but it’s also packed with some nutritional benefits. Molasses itself is a good source of iron and calcium, while the whole wheat flour adds fiber for digestive health.

Keep in mind that this recipe is relatively high in calories and sugar. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Per Serving (approx. 1/8 of cake):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 55g

Note: This recipe is not gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

Get answers to common questions and concerns about this classic recipe.

Ingredients and Substitutions

1. Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses? Yes, but note that blackstrap molasses has a stronger flavor and may affect the cake’s texture.
2. What can I substitute for butter in this recipe? You can use a combination of oil and applesauce or mashed banana for a lower-fat version.

Baking and Storage

• How do I ensure the cake is fully cooked? Check the cake’s internal temperature, which should be around 190°C (374°F) to 200°C (392°F). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Can I store the cake at room temperature? No, it’s best to store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Troubleshooting

For any issues or concerns, please refer to our baking tips and troubleshooting guide.

Key Takeaways for Making the Perfect Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

To achieve success with this Old Fashioned Molasses Cake Recipe, consider the following essential tips and techniques. Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial, particularly when using 240 g / 1 cup of molasses, as it significantly impacts the cake’s flavor and texture.

• Use high-quality molasses for the best flavor, and ensure it’s at room temperature (about 20°C / 68°F) before mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined.
• Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F, and avoid opening the oven door during the baking time to prevent uneven cooking.

By following these key takeaways and using the right techniques, the perfect Old Fashioned Molasses Cake can be achieved. The cake should be moist, flavorful, and have a rich, deep color. Attention to detail and patience are essential for success with this recipe.

A Slice of Nostalgia

There’s something undeniably comforting about an old-fashioned molasses cake. The aroma alone, filled with warm spices and that deep, rich molasses scent, transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She swore by this recipe, passed down through generations, and it always seemed to appear at family gatherings, holidays, and even just a quiet Sunday afternoon.

This cake isn’t overly sweet, which I think is part of its charm. The molasses provides a complex, almost earthy sweetness that’s beautifully balanced by the warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. It’s the kind of cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

While the recipe itself is simple, the results are anything but ordinary. This cake is dense, moist, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the most classic recipes are the best. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll understand what I mean.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor with Old Fashioned Molasses Cake

Now that you’ve mastered this classic recipe, it’s time to indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of Old Fashioned Molasses Cake. Rich, velvety, and deeply flavorful, this traditional treat is sure to become a staple in your home. As you slice into the moist, dark cake, the aroma of molasses and spices will transport you to a bygone era of simplicity and joy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new variations – perhaps a hint of coffee or a drizzle of caramel? The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you create.