Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Guinness beer
- ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Slowly add the Guinness beer, stirring until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped crystallized ginger.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 4 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Can be substituted with vegan butter or coconut oil
- Dark Brown Sugar: Can be substituted with light brown sugar
- Molasses: Can be substituted with honey or maple syrup
- Guinness Beer: Can be substituted with any other dark beer
- Crystallized Ginger: Can be substituted with fresh grated ginger
Variations:
- Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter
- Substitute the Guinness beer with a different type of beer
- Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for a deeper flavor
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for best results
- Let the cake cool completely before serving for best flavor
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream
- Sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar
- Drizzle the top of the cake with melted chocolate
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Candied ginger
- Chocolate shavings
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of Guinness beer to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, add a tablespoon of flour to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Make sure to use a clean bowl and utensils when mixing.
- Make sure to store the cake in an airtight container.
Food History:
Gingerbread has been around since the Middle Ages and was originally made with honey instead of molasses. Guinness beer was first brewed in Ireland in 1759 and is now one of the most popular beers in the world.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a rich and spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the molasses and Guinness beer. The crystallized ginger adds a subtle kick of heat and a bit of crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Region: Irish