Nutmeg-Topped Toruń Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated nutmeg

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with the freshly grated nutmeg.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 9-inch round cake

Nutritional Information: Not available

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the butter: coconut oil or vegan butter
- For the molasses: honey or maple syrup
- For the egg: flax egg or chia egg

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture
- Substitute the nutmeg for ground cardamom or allspice for a different flavor
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet flavor

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing with the sugar
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor
- Let the cake cool completely before serving

Storage Instructions:
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Chopped dried fruit
- Sprinkle of nutmeg

Pairings:
- Hot coffee or tea
- Spiced apple cider
- Vanilla ice cream

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Roasted potatoes

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the batter before baking.
- If the cake is too moist, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Food Safety Advice:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Discard any leftovers after 5 days.

Food History:
Toruń gingerbread is a traditional Polish dessert that has been around since the Middle Ages. It is made with a combination of spices, molasses, and butter, and is usually topped with freshly grated nutmeg.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and spicy flavor from the combination of molasses, spices, and nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Polish

Taste: Spicy, Sweet, Aromatic, Nutty, Rich