Ina Garten’s Zesty Lemon Ginger Molasses Cake Recipe

Lemon ginger molasses cake offers a delectable adventure into the world of rustic, comforting desserts.

Warm spices and bright citrus notes dance together in this remarkable sweet creation.

Each slice promises a rich, complex flavor profile that tantalizes the senses.

The dense, moist texture hints at deep culinary traditions and home-baked expertise.

Unexpected ingredient combinations elevate this cake beyond ordinary bakery fare.

Bakers seeking a sophisticated yet approachable dessert will adore these intricate flavor layers.

The cake brings together traditional baking techniques with modern sensory excitement: prepare to be delighted.

Storing Ginger Molasses Cake the Right Way

• Airtight Container Method: Seal the cooled cake in a high-quality glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid to lock in moisture and prevent drying. This approach keeps the cake's delicate texture and prevents absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and contents to track freshness. Frozen slices stay delicious for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
• Layering Protection Method: Separate cake layers with parchment paper or wax paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain the cake's intricate ginger and lemon flavors. This technique works perfectly for multi-layer cakes, ensuring each slice looks pristine when served.

Bold Takes on a Classic Spice Cake

• Spicy Ginger Zinger: Boost the cake's heat by adding freshly grated ginger and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bold, warming kick that tingles the taste buds.
• Tropical Citrus Burst: Replace lemon zest with orange and lime zest, then fold in shredded coconut to transform the cake into a vibrant, island-inspired treat.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate toasted chopped almonds or pecans into the batter, and top the whipped cream with a sprinkle of candied nuts for extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Chocolate Ginger Fusion: Fold in dark chocolate chips and dust the top with cocoa powder, creating a rich, decadent version that combines the warmth of ginger with deep chocolate notes.

Lemon-Ginger Recap with Warm Notes

Garten’s lemon ginger molasses cake embodies comforting sophistication with its harmonious blend of spicy and sweet notes.

Complex flavors dance across palates, revealing layers of warmth and zesty brightness.

Crystallized ginger adds unexpected textural intrigue to each delectable slice.

Whipped cream crowns this masterpiece, elevating rustic charm with elegant simplicity.

Seasonal ingredients collaborate to create memorable culinary magic.

Passionate bakers, share this sensational recipe with cherished friends, spread delightful inspiration through social media, and let sweet connections bloom with every shared moment.

What to Love About Lemon Ginger Molasses Cake

• Burst with Zesty Sophistication: This lemon ginger molasses cake delivers a complex flavor profile that dances between sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced, making every bite an extraordinary culinary adventure.
• Effortlessly Elegant Technique: Ina Garten's recipe simplifies gourmet baking through straightforward mixing methods, allowing home bakers to create a professional-quality dessert without advanced pastry skills.
• Texture Wonderland: The cake combines soft, tender crumb with delightful crystallized ginger chunks, offering a multi-dimensional mouthfeel that keeps each slice interesting and exciting from first to last bite.
• Versatile Celebration Dessert: Perfect for sophisticated gatherings, afternoon tea, or cozy winter celebrations, this cake transitions beautifully between casual and elegant settings with its unique flavor combination.

Ingredients That Make This Cake Shine

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Rich dairy base that provides moisture and smooth texture, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps structure and richness, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend dry ingredients smoothly, whole milk recommended for creamier result.
• Molasses: Deep, dark sweetener with rich caramel notes, select robust or blackstrap variety for intense flavor.
• Creme Fraiche: Adds tangy complexity and creamy texture to whipped cream topping, use high-fat content version.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental base for cake structure, unbleached flour provides better texture.
• Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agent that helps cake rise and become light, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, provides balanced seasoning to sweet ingredients.

• Ground Ginger, Crystallized Ginger: Provides warm, spicy kick with different textural experiences, choose high-quality organic ginger for most authentic taste.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus note that adds freshness and complexity, use fresh lemons and zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile, pure extract preferable over artificial versions.
• Confectioners' Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweeteners with different textures for whipped cream topping, use fine-grain versions for smoothest result.

Baking Instructions for Bold Spice Lovers

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

• Greasing the entire surface
• Laying down parchment paper
• Sprinkling flour over the greased surface

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Butter
• Light brown sugar

Beat for 3-5 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and light. Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Introduce Liquid Ingredients

• Molasses
• Lemon zest

Mix until everything combines smoothly. The batter might look slightly bumpy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Ground ginger
• Baking soda
• Kosher salt

Step 5: Blend Everything Together

Slowly add dry ingredients and milk to the mixer, alternating between them. Use low speed to create a silky batter. Gently fold in diced crystallized ginger using a rubber spatula.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for 30 minutes. Carefully turn it out onto a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

• Cold heavy cream
• Confectioners' sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Creme fraiche
• Vanilla extract

Step 9: Whip Cream to Perfection

Beat the mixture on high speed until soft peaks form.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

• Extra crystallized ginger
• Fresh lemon zest

Enjoy your delightful Lemon Ginger Molasses Cake!

Tips for That Perfect Sticky Crumb

• Gently Warm Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for seamless blending and a luxuriously smooth cake texture.
• Mix with Precision: Fold flour mixture gently and briefly to maintain the cake's light, tender crumb and prevent a heavy, tough result.
• Master Baking Timing: Watch the cake closely near the end of baking, using a toothpick test to ensure perfect doneness without overdrying.
• Rest and Release Strategically: Allow the cake to settle in the pan for half an hour, creating a stable structure that won't crumble when removed.
• Finish with Flair: Decorate with whipped cream, crystallized ginger, and lemon zest moments before serving to preserve the vibrant, fresh appearance.

Ina Garten Lemon Ginger Molasses Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon ginger molasses cake blends zesty citrus with warm spices in a delightful dessert. Moist crumb and rich flavors make this cake a sophisticated treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 grams)
• ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter (113 grams), at room temperature
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup whole milk (120 ml)

Spices and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger (4 grams)
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (10 grams), plus extra for serving
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (2 grams)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (2 grams)
• ⅓ cup small-diced crystallized ginger (50 grams), plus extra for serving
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5 ml)

Sweet and Creamy Ingredients:

• ½ cup light brown sugar (100 grams), lightly packed
• ½ cup unsulphured molasses (120 ml)
• 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream (360 ml)
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (30 grams)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams)
• 2 tablespoons creme fraiche (30 grams)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch round pan by greasing, lining with parchment paper, then re-greasing and dusting with flour.
2. In an electric mixer with paddle attachment, cream butter and light brown sugar at medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous. Scrape the bowl’s edges to ensure even mixing.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Blend in molasses and lemon zest until the mixture is uniform, noting that the batter might appear slightly curdled.
4. Sift together flour, ground ginger, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Use low mixer speed to create a smooth, consistent batter. Gently incorporate diced crystallized ginger using a rubber spatula.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without raw batter.
7. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 30 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
8. Prepare whipped cream topping by combining cold heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, creme fraiche, and vanilla extract in a mixer bowl with whisk attachment.
9. Whip the cream mixture on high speed until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
10. Garnish the cooled cake with whipped cream, sprinkling additional crystallized ginger and freshly grated lemon zest for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Pull out butter, eggs, and milk an hour before baking to reach room temperature, guaranteeing smoother ingredient incorporation and fluffier texture.
• Gentle Mixing Magic: Fold dry ingredients into wet with a light hand, stopping the moment everything combines to avoid creating a tough, dense cake.
• Toothpick Test Triumph: Peek into the oven about 5 minutes early and check cake doneness by inserting a clean toothpick – it should emerge without sticky batter clinging to it.
• Cooling Confidence: Allow cake to rest inside the pan for half an hour, helping it settle and preventing potential crumbling when transferred to a cooling rack.
• Stunning Serve-Ready Finish: Sprinkle crystallized ginger, dust with lemon zest, and dollop fresh whipped cream mere moments before presenting your delectable creation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg