Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

old-fashioned molasses cake

★★★★☆ 25
a recipe by
Vanessa Thompson
Blaine, KY

This was a personal favorite of my dads! He loved this cake.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Perfect for dessert or brunch, this molasses cake is a terrific mix of sweet and robust flavors. It's an old-fashioned recipe that will be a hit during the holiday season. Molasses adds a depth of flavor and a mild sweetness. Serve with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a warm apple compote. Yum!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
★★★★☆ 25
serves 9
prep time 5 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For old-fashioned molasses cake

  • 2 Tbsp
    Land-o-Lakes butter, softened (this makes it taste more old-fashioned)
  • 1/4 c
    sugar
  • 1
    egg
  • 1/2 c
    dark molasses (amount depends on type - if you use light use 3/4 cup)
  • 1 c
    all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp
    baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp
    ginger, ground
  • 1/4 tsp
    cinnamon, ground
  • 1/8 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 c
    hot water
  • 9 Tbsp
    Fat-Free Cool Whip (optional)

How To Make old-fashioned molasses cake

  • Mixing butter and sugar in a bowl.
    1
    In a small bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes.
  • Beating in the egg.
    2
    Beat in egg.
  • Adding molasses to the batter.
    3
    Beat in molasses.
  • Flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
    4
    Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Adding flour to dry ingredients with water.
    5
    Add to butter mixture alternately with water, mixing well after each addition.
  • Batter poured into baking dish.
    6
    Transfer to a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray.
  • Toothpick coming out of the cake clean.
    7
    Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • Molasses cake cooling on a wire rack.
    8
    Cool on a wire rack.
  • A square of old fashioned molasses cake.
    9
    Cut into squares; garnish with whipped topping.
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