Old Fashioned Gingerbread

 I was recently watching a TV holiday baking championship and they were making gingerbread. Then I thought "wait, how come I don't have a gingerbread recipe on my website??" I mean, I LOVE gingerbread! One would think I'd have posted a favorite recipe by now. But no, none to be found. So, of course, I went right into research mode to find just the right recipe. I wanted it to be moist and flavorful, and definitely with a good amount of spice. (almost HOT spicy!)
 The problem is that every recipe I found wasn't exactly just right. So I kinda took what I liked from a couple different recipes and went with it. It turned out great! I made it for Tory and Ryan when they came over for a movie night, and they both gave it a big "thumbs up!" So this is now my go-to gingerbread recipe. Now that it's FINALLY here, you should definitely try it!


1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup molasses*
1 egg
2-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup hot water


 Heat oven to 325ºF.  Grease and flour 9" square baking dish (or spray with baking spray).
Cream together the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl. Add molasses and egg and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Add hot water and stir until well incorporated and batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.

  *When choosing molasses, you want to go for anything that is light or mild. Some may be labeled as "robust" but that may be a little strong and overpowering. And never use Blackstrap molasses for baking as that is far too bitter.

Tips:
Yes, you read that correctly - black pepper!
And be sure to serve with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar!