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grandma b's molasses sponge cake

(2 RATINGS)
248 Pinches 18 Photos
duncan2929 avatar
decatur, AR
Updated on Oct 8, 2025

Grandma B wasn't the Duncan kids' grandmother; she wasn't anyone's. She never married or had children. But she was adopted into the clan, and that's all she was ever known by. This recipe is from and for her.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

You can taste the love in this molasses sponge cake. Filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and mace, it's a spice-forward cake that tastes similar to gingerbread. The cake is light and airy, yet slightly dense. We'd call this a snacking cake. It's easy to prepare and wonderful to keep on hand for snacking throughout the day or dessert. We dusted it with a bit of powdered sugar and thought it was perfect.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 20 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Bake
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon lemon uice
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sifted cake flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

How To Make grandma b's molasses sponge cake

Test Kitchen Tips
We baked this molasses cake at 350 degrees F.
  • Beat egg yolks very lightly.
    Step 1
    Beat egg yolks very lightly.
  • Gradually beat in molasses.
    Step 2
    Gradually beat in molasses.
  • Beat egg whites until foamy.
    Step 3
    Beat egg whites until foamy.
  • Add lemon juice.
    Step 4
    Add lemon juice.
  • Beat until stiff but not dry.
    Step 5
    Beat until stiff but not dry.
  • Gradually beat in sugar.
    Step 6
    Gradually beat in sugar.
  • Fold egg whites into the egg mixture.
    Step 7
    Fold into the egg yolk mixture.
  • Sift dry ingredients into a separate bowl.
    Step 8
    Sift dry ingredients into a separate bowl.
  • Fold flour into the egg mixture.
    Step 9
    Then fold into the egg mixture.
  • Lightly spray the pan and pour batter into it.
    Step 10
    Lightly spray the pan and pour batter into it.
  • Bake the cake.
    Step 11
    Bake at what she calls a slow oven, 325 to 350 degrees, for 20-25 minutes.
  • Test to see if baked.
    Step 12
    Test to see if done. She didn't think this needed frosting, but use your own judgment.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Discover More

Category: Cakes
Collection: Mom Made It Best
Collection: Holiday Baking
Method: Bake
Culture: American
Ingredient: Flour

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