Delicious Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Dear reader,
Let me introduce you to one of the most renowned gingerbread cakes in Irish cuisine – the Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake. This cake recipe is famous for its light and fluffy texture, warm spices, and rich, earthy flavors. The soft crumb and delicate flavor of the Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake make it an ideal dessert for all occasions, whether it be a cozy family dinner or a luxury wedding celebration.
This recipe has been passed down through generations of Irish families, and it has become a staple in many kitchens across the Emerald Isle. The Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake perfectly embodies the hospitality and warmth that is inherent to any Irish home. This cake is not only delicious but also serves as a reminder of Irish heritage and history.
But don’t let its humble origins fool you; this cake is no simple bake. It requires a perfect balance of ingredients, patience, and skill to get it right every time. In this article, I aim to provide you with detailed instructions on how to make this classic cake from scratch so that you too can experience its delicate complexity at home.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on making this mouth-watering gingerbread cake that will capture your heart and tastebuds alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for something sweet and spicy? Look no further than this Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake recipe! This cake is not your typical gingerbread cake; it’s light and fluffy with just the right amount of warmth from the spices. Trust me, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
This gingerbread cake recipe will fulfill all your cravings. The blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves creates a fragrant aroma throughout your home. You’ll feel cozy and comfortable as you wait for the cake to come out of the oven. With just one bite, you’ll be transported to a warm kitchen on a cold winter’s day.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it up as a coffee cake, pairing it with lemon sauce or cream cheese frosting, or even using it in a trifle, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this delicious treat. Additionally, the feather light texture makes it perfect for any celebration, including weddings and holiday parties.
Not only is this gingerbread cake recipe great for indulging yourself or delighting guests, but it’s also easy to make. With simple ingredients like water, eggs, molasses, brown sugar, unsalted butter, baking soda, and self-rising flour, you can easily whip up your own batch at home. Plus, if you find yourself lacking certain ingredients, I’ve included substitution suggestions in the next section.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the perfect dessert to warm your soul and lift your spirits any time of year, look no further than the Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake recipe. Trust me; you won’t regret giving this recipe a try!
Ingredient List
Below are the ingredients needed to make this delicious Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 pinch of salt
Make sure to sift together the dry ingredients in a large bowl, including the spices, before adding them to the recipe. And remember to have your butter at room temperature in order for it to mix well with the brown sugar.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have seen the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake that will impress anyone who tastes it.
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare cake pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan with butter, then dust flour over it.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
Take a large bowl and sift together 2 cups of self-rising flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, a pinch of mixed spice, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mix them well.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together 6 oz of unsalted butter and ¾ cup of brown sugar until it is smooth and creamy. Add in molasses and mix well.
Step 4: Beat eggs
In another bowl, lightly beat two eggs.
Step 5: Combine all the ingredients
Mix in the beaten eggs into the butter mixture until they are fully incorporated.
Step 6: Add dry ingredients
Add dry ingredients slowly to the wet mixture while mixing gently. Make sure everything is well combined while stirring – using a whisk here will help.
Step 7: Pour batter into prepared pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap it lightly to remove any air bubbles hiding within that might cause the cake not to bake evenly.
Step 8: Bake!
Place your Irish Feather Gingerbread cake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes until you see it has risen nicely or when your fork/skewer comes out clean when poked into the center of the cake.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Take out the cake from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, serve it at room temperature sprinkled with powdered sugar or with whipped cream if you prefer something richer.
I hope this recipe guide encourages you to make some delicious Irish Feather Gingerbread cake for yourself and your family. Remember that the flavors of this lovely recipe get better over time, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of serving. Enjoy every bite of this feather-light cake!
Substitutions and Variations
Well, folks, if you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes things can go awry in the kitchen. Perhaps you forgot an ingredient, or maybe you have a dietary restriction. Fear not! I’ve got some substitutions and variations for my Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake recipe that will ensure your cake turns out divine.
First off, if you’re not a fan of molasses (a key ingredient in this recipe), fear not! You can substitute it with an equal amount of golden syrup or honey. While it may slightly alter the taste of the final product, you’ll still end up with a delicious gingerbread cake.
For those who are vegans or have an intolerance to eggs, rest assured that this recipe can be made egg-free. Simply replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. The texture may vary slightly but trust me, it will still be a feather light delight.
If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can create your own at home by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
In terms of variations, if you want to mix things up try substituting half the ground ginger with ground cardamom for a delightful twist on an old classic. Not feeling like making an entire cake? This recipe also works well when baked as muffins or cupcakes. Finally, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous try adding some Irish whiskey to the batter for a boozy kick.
Remember that cooking is all about experimenting and making things your own. Don’t be afraid to make substitutions and variations as needed – just keep our Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake spirit alive!
Serving and Pairing
Once the Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake is out of the oven and cooled down, it’s time to serve it up! This cake is best served in slices, and it’s perfect for a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee or tea. I highly recommend serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, as this will perfectly complement the cake’s spicy flavors.
If you want to elevate the serving experience, you can also try adding some lemon sauce or a lemon glaze on top. The tangy citrus notes will nicely balance out the sweet and spiced cake.
For those who enjoy a more indulgent dessert, you can pair this cake with some golden syrup or even Irish whiskey. It’s been said that gingerbread cake goes perfectly with a glass of cold milk, so give that pairing a try if you’re feeling classic.
If you’re looking for some creative pairings, try serving this gingerbread cake with some chocolate cake or these vegan gingerbread cookies served alongside. Or for a touch of Ireland, go for an Irish Porter Cake which complements the rich spices beautifully.
No matter how you serve and pair this Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to gingerbread cake, many people believe that they are best when baked and served fresh out of the oven. However, this delicious Irish feather gingerbread cake recipe can actually be made ahead of time and stored properly to maintain its moist texture and full flavor.
If you’re planning on making this cake for a special occasion or event, you’ll be happy to know that it can be made in advance and stored for up to three days at room temperature. Simply let the cake cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
To reheat the gingerbread cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the wrap from the cake. Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help to restore its moistness and texture.
Additionally, you can serve this cake in a variety of ways, including with whipped cream or frosting, lemon sauce or glaze, or even topped with some chocolate chips! The options are truly endless!
Overall, by following these simple tips for storing and reheating this Irish feather gingerbread cake recipe, you can enjoy its delicious taste and warm spices any time you like!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking, the devil’s in the details. So if you want to achieve perfect results with this Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake recipe, it’s important to follow certain tips and tricks that can make all the difference.
Firstly, it’s crucial to use high-quality ingredients. Don’t skimp on the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and molasses as they give the cake its rich flavor and moist texture. The spices also play a key role in this recipe, and using fresh and well-sourced ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon is highly recommended.
When measuring ingredients, accuracy matters. Be sure to level off your dry ingredients when measuring them out. Too much flour or too little liquid can ruin the texture of the cake. In addition, I suggest sifting your dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet mixture.
It’s also important not to overmix your batter. When you’re combining your wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake.
Additionally, be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the cake. This ensures that the cake will rise properly and cook evenly. I recommend checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer just in case.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe. You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture or drizzle a lemon glaze over the top for added sweetness. Whatever you choose, make sure you follow the basic guidelines of this recipe and have fun in the kitchen!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make a delicious Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake, it’s time to address some commonly asked questions about this recipe. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, it’s always helpful to have your questions answered so that you can achieve perfect results every time. So, let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions about this feather-light gingerbread cake recipe!
What is the difference between ginger cake and gingerbread cake?
Gingerbread and ginger cake may seem similar, but they actually have distinct differences. Gingerbread is a cake that’s been infused with molasses and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whereas, ginger cake is a cake that primarily focuses on the flavor of ginger. While it might also contain molasses and other spices, ginger is the main feature.
How to make a Mary Berry ginger cake?
For this recipe, we’ll need some dark muscovado sugar measuring 250g or 8oz. Additionally, half of a 225g tin black treacle would be required, followed by 375g or 12oz of plain flour. To add some spicy goodness, 5 teaspoons of ground ginger and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon will be needed. We’ll also need two beaten eggs and some unsweetened milk, approximately 300ml or a half pint, however, you may use unsweetened soya milk for a lactose-free version. For an optional extra, we can include three pieces of stem ginger, which are crystallised and can be obtained from a jar.
What were the cookies served at gingerbread fairs called?
Back in the day, certain celebrations were referred to as Gingerbread Fairs, where people indulged in an assortment of gingerbread cookies called ‘ fairings.’ The appearance of these cookies varied according to the time of year, featuring flowers during spring and birds in the autumn season.
What was the first recipe for gingerbread cookies?
According to the records of Rhonda Massingham Hart, who wrote ‘Making Gingerbread Houses,’ gingerbread had been in existence since 2400 BC in Greece. This ancient recipe included ginger, sugar, ground almonds, and stale breadcrumbs, among other ingredients.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet and spicy ginger flavors. Not only is the cake easy to make, but it also has a light and fluffy texture that makes it perfect for any occasion. With the addition of molasses, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, this cake is a match made in heaven.
I highly recommend baking this cake at your next get-together or family dinner. You won’t be disappointed with the delicious aroma and flavor that will fill your home. And with its unique texture and taste, this cake will add a touch of luxury to any dessert spread.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen now and get started on making this amazing Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake recipe! And if you want to experiment with substitutions and variations, go ahead and let your creativity take over. There’s no right or wrong way to bake a cake; it’s all about having fun and enjoying the process.
Remember to follow my tips and recommendations throughout the article to get the best results possible. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification on any part of the recipe.
I promise you’ll love this cake as much as I do, if not more! Happy baking!
Irish Feather Gingerbread Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, dark
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 eggs, large, beaten
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 1/2 cup water
- whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Generously butter a 10 inch Bundt pan and dust with flour, knocking out the excess flour.
- In large bowl, sift together; flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and baking soda and set aside.
- I large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and molasses and cook 3 - 4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Whisk in the beaten eggs.
- Stir in flour mixture and with a wooden spoon, beat until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the Guiness and water to a boil. Stir into the batter until smooth. Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cook on a rack about 5 minutes.
- Invert cake onto a platter and let cool 5 minutes more.
- Serve with fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.