Hands down, the only cake my hubby will eat in November and December! We are Christmas ready!

Gingerbread cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any table, especially during the cooler months. This recipe has its roots in European baking traditions, where ginger and spices were treasured for their flavor and preservative qualities. Making this cake fills the house with a cozy aroma that evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer. It's a perfect choice for those who love a moist, dense cake with a rich blend of spices.

Gingerbread cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent touch, try serving it with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A side of fresh fruit, like sliced pears or apples, complements the spiced flavors wonderfully. This cake also makes a lovely afternoon snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Servings: 8

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in the molasses.

Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and add to the mixture.

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you have picky eaters who aren't fans of strong spices, reduce the ginger and cloves by half. For an extra touch of sweetness, fold in a half cup of raisins or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle flavor enhancement. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of black pepper for a surprising kick that complements the spices beautifully.