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Jamaican Ginger Cake


  • Author: Linda

Description

A rich, moist, and deeply spiced cake infused with ginger, molasses, and warm spices — perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday celebrations, or a flavorful treat with tea or coffee.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) molasses

  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup (120 ml) hot water

  • Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Optional garnish: powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze


Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).

  • Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

  • In a large bowl, cream together butter, oil, molasses, and brown sugar until smooth.

  • Beat in eggs one at a time until well incorporated.

  • Stir in vanilla extract if using.

4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.

  • Mix until just combined — do not overmix to maintain tender texture.

5. Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.

  • Bake 50–60 minutes (loaf) or 45–55 minutes (bundt) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serve

  • Slice and serve as is, dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple glaze.

  • Pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or a warm beverage.

Notes

  • Using molasses is key for authentic Jamaican ginger flavor.

  • Hot water helps dissolve sugar and molasses, giving a smooth batter.

  • Allow cake to cool before slicing to maintain shape.

  • Spices can be adjusted to taste — more ginger for a stronger kick.