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Make a classic molasses cake with our proven recipes

Cake with molasses

Have you seen movies or shows with food that was portrayed in a way that made it sound more decadent than it really is? If so, your memory is likely showing a scene from a movie involving molasses cake.

What Is A Molasses Cake?

What is a molasses cake, you ask? Technically, a molasses cake is any type of cake that is made with a sweet syrup, such as blackstrap molasses, brown sugar, or white sugar. The name “molasses cake” was given because before the invention of electricity, people used to bake this kind of dish using molasses as a sweetener. This is why it’s a very popular dessert that is traditionally served in the Southern United States.

The ingredients and flavors can vary, but molasses cakes are typically dense and moist with a rich flavor. They may also be spiced with ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.

Molasses cake is a type of dessert that can be filled with different types of frosting or toppings. It is also known as sponge cake and it is basically made by mixing flour, sugar, eggs and butter.
When the mixture is baked, it has a dense texture and it’s usually covered in some kind of filling.

Types Of Molasses Cakes

Molasses cakes are often confused with gingerbread cakes, but there is a big difference. It’s made with a molasses-based liquor (usually Jamaica or Barbados), which gives the cake its distinct flavor.

They are also known as Christmas pudding, and they’re made in a similar manner as gingerbread cakes.

Famous Molasses Cake Flavor Combinations: Thick chunks of dark chocolate are a common flavor combination with molasses cakes, and there are also many other sweet-savory combinations that go well with molasses cakes.

For example, gingerbread cake is often served with candied pecans or sugared cranberries; both of these flavors go very well with molasses cakes. You can use almost any fruit to make your own homemade molasses cake, too! Berries (strawberry, blueberry)  or  dried fruits (sliced apricot)  are always delicious additions

Additionally, molasses cakes are denser and richer than gingerbread cakes, and they’re usually decorated with candied fruits or nuts.

How To Make A Molasses Crumb Cake

A molasses crumb cake is a type of cake that is usually made from a rich, dark brown batter that is filled with a sweetened cream cheese or sugar syrup. Molasses is often used as the main flavor in these types of cakes, and it gives them a unique and delicious flavor.

This is a very simple molasses cake recipe, but it does take a few steps to get it right.

Ingredients to Make 1 loaf of molasses cake:

– 2 cups light brown sugar
– 6/3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Pinch of salt
– 12 ounces unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup molasses
– Juice made of 1 orange squeezed and finely grated zest/f 1 lemon squeezed and finely grated zest (juice at room temperature) 1/2 cup water/ 2 teaspoons vanilla

Extra Toppings:

– 3 tablespoons heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons orange liqueur
– Orange zest for sprinkling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Then add the butter to this mixture and mix it well until it becomes a crumbly mixture.
3. Mix in the molasses and juice of the lemon to make a crumble paste.
4. Add the grated peel of the orange and lemon zest (and reserve some for sprinkling) and stir lightly to make sure everything is well combined but still crumbled.
5. Pour them into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or more.

When you remove this cake from oven, allow it to cool down before cutting into slices. This recipe can be used to make two large cakes or four smaller ones if you want mini molasses crumble cakes too. You will just need to adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference or taste.

The molasses brings out the natural sweetness in these cakes and allows them to taste so much richer than a regular sugar-based cake. These cakes are also great for those who want something a little more unique compared to other desserts that have been on the market for many years now.

Conclusion On Molasses Cakes

Contrary to popular belief, molasses cakes are not made with dark or blackstrap molasses. Instead, they are typically composed of white sugar and either all-purpose flour or cornstarch, with molasses added as a last step. Molasses cakes are also not typically dense, chewy, or rich like their blackstrap counterpart.

Some chefs and bakers prefer molasses cakes because they have a more intense flavor and hue than white sugar-based cakes that rely mostly on eggs.

Molasses is also a natural source of antioxidants, which give molasses cakes some health benefits.