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Traditional Gingerbread Traybake Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 If you’re craving a cozy, spiced treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, this Traditional Gingerbread Traybake is perfect for you! This soft, moist cake has deep, rich flavors with a hint of sweetness and a beautifully spiced kick. It’s a simple one-bowl recipe, ideal for afternoon tea, festive gatherings, or just a comforting treat on a chilly day. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a luscious glaze—either way, it’s pure nostalgia in every bite

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup (180ml) unsulfured molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot water

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking tray with parchment paper.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

  • Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

  • Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  • Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal!

  • Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared tray and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Cool & Serve: Let the traybake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.

Notes

  • Molasses Substitute: If you don’t have molasses, use dark treacle or a mix of honey and maple syrup for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
  • Extra Moisture: Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an even richer texture.
  • Toppings: A lemon glaze, cream cheese frosting, or just a dusting of powdered sugar all pair beautifully with this cake.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Traditional Gingerbread Traybake