Magical Homemade Ginger Cake Recipe for Autumn Warmth

Warm, spicy aromas of ginger cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every slice.

Memories of grandma’s baking emerge with each whiff of this nostalgic treat.

Soft, tender crumbs melt on your tongue, carrying hints of molasses and rich spices.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket during chilly afternoons.

Fragrant ground ginger adds depth and complexity to a classic dessert that never disappoints.

Seasonal ingredients combine to create a simple yet spectacular experience that connects you to generations of home bakers.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous piece and savoring every delectable moment.

Common FAQs On Delia Smith Ginger Cake

• What makes ginger cake unique in flavor?

Ginger cake has a warm, spicy taste from ground ginger that creates a rich, comforting flavor profile with subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.

• Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! This ginger cake recipe is simple, requires basic baking skills, and uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens.

• Can I adjust the ginger intensity?

Yes, you can increase or decrease ground ginger amount according to your preference. More ginger means a stronger, spicier cake, while less will create a milder taste.

• What gives this cake its moist texture?

The combination of syrup and hot water helps create a tender, soft cake that stays moist and prevents dryness, ensuring a delicious, smooth texture.

Why Delia Smith Ginger Cake Is So Comforting

• Boost Family Bonding: Create delightful memories while baking this simple ginger cake together, perfect for involving kids in kitchen adventures and teaching basic cooking skills.
• Quick Comfort Treat: Prepare a warm, spicy cake that comes together with minimal ingredients and basic mixing techniques, offering a speedy solution for sudden sweet cravings.
• Adaptable Dessert Delight: Serve this versatile ginger cake as a casual afternoon snack, elegant tea-time treat, or comforting dessert that suits multiple occasions and satisfies different taste preferences.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Craft a delicious dessert using common kitchen staples like flour, sugar, and ginger, making it an accessible and budget-friendly baking option for home cooks.

What You Need For Delia Smith Ginger Cake

• Flour: A key base that provides structure to the ginger cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's golden color.
• Ground Ginger: Delivers the signature warm and spicy flavor of the cake.
• Bicarbonate of Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.

• Margarine: Creates a soft and tender crumb in the cake.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Golden Syrup: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

• Hot Water: Helps to create a smooth and consistent cake batter.

How To Bake Delia Smith Ginger Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180°C (350°F). Grab a baking tin and give it a light coating of grease, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Ground ginger
• Bicarbonate of soda

Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well combined and looking uniform.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Use your fingertips to work the margarine into the dry mixture. Keep rubbing and mixing until the entire blend looks like soft, delicate breadcrumbs. This technique helps create a light, tender cake texture.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

• Egg
• Golden syrup
• Hot water

Stir everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, glossy batter with no lumps.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared tin. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the cake springs back when gently touched.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the cake to cool completely inside the tin. Once cooled, slice into delightful squares ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Top Tips For Delia Smith Ginger Cake

• Precision Matters: Use an accurate kitchen scale to measure ingredients for consistent texture and taste every time.
• Ginger Boost: Add extra ground ginger or fresh grated ginger for a more intense, warming flavor profile.
• Moisture Magic: Check cake doneness by inserting a skewer – if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Storage Savvy: Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Ways To Change Delia Smith Ginger Cake A Bit

• Gluten-Free Ginger Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Spice Loaf: Swap egg with mashed banana or flaxseed mixture, use plant-based margarine alternative.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Treat: Substitute sugar with stevia or coconut sugar, reduce syrup quantity for healthier option.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Cake: Use coconut oil instead of margarine, ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for lactose-intolerant individuals.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Ginger Cake

• Elevate Warmth with Spiced Tea: Pair the ginger cake with a steaming mug of chai tea, letting its cardamom and cinnamon notes complement the cake's deep ginger flavor.
• Luxuriate with Creamy Companion: Serve alongside vanilla custard or rich clotted cream, creating a smooth contrast to the cake's dense, spicy texture.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Drizzle a small glass of late harvest Riesling alongside, its honeyed sweetness balancing the cake's robust ginger punch.
• Enhance with Caramel Twist: Top each slice with a dollop of salted caramel sauce, intensifying the cake's warmth and adding a decadent layer of complexity.

How To Store Delia Smith Ginger Cake Properly

• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 4-5 days when stored in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature.
• Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture retention.
• Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, gently reheat in oven at 150C for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance ginger flavor.

Ginger Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy ginger cake whisks comfort and warmth into a delightful dessert straight from traditional baking traditions. Fragrant spices and rich molasses create a memorable treat that connects generations of home cooks with sweet, nostalgic flavors you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) self-raising flour
• 200 grams (7 ounces) sugar
• 55 grams (2 ounces) margarine
• 1 free-range egg
• 240 milliliters (9 fluid ounces) hot water

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons golden syrup

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 28x18cm baking tin by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, blending flour, sugar, ground ginger, and bicarbonate of soda until evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate margarine into the dry mixture, using fingertips to create a crumbly texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Create a smooth batter by adding egg, golden syrup, and hot water, stirring continuously until the mixture is fully integrated and free of lumps.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, ensuring an even spread across the surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and a springy texture when gently pressed.
7. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the tin to maintain its structural integrity.
8. Once cooled, carefully remove from the tin and slice into neat, even squares for serving.

Notes

• Check margarine temperature for optimal crumb texture, ensuring it’s soft but not melted when rubbing into dry ingredients.
• Use fresh ground ginger or crystallized ginger pieces for extra flavor depth and aromatic intensity.
• Adjust sweetness by varying golden syrup or substituting with honey for different flavor profiles.
• Test cake doneness by inserting a skewer in the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs for perfect moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg