Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake Recipe: A Taste of the Islands

This recipe delivers a deliciously moist and spicy Jamaican ginger cake, guaranteed to stick to your ribs (in the best way possible!). It's perfect for afternoon tea, a special occasion, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect sticky texture and intense ginger flavor that makes Jamaican ginger cake so unique.

Ingredients for Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake

• For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger (optional, but highly recommended!)

• For the Sticky Glaze:

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions: Baking Your Perfect Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout the cake.

Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your cake.

Step 3: Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Then, carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin – this is expected and contributes to the cake's moist texture. Stir in the crystallized ginger (if using).

Step 4: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 5: Making the Sticky Glaze

While the cake is still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and water. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. The mixture will thicken slightly.

Step 6: Glazing the Cake

Pour the warm glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow the glaze to soak into the cake for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. The longer it sits, the stickier and more flavorful it becomes!

Tips for the Perfect Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake

• Freshly ground spices: Using freshly ground spices will significantly enhance the flavor of your cake.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Let it cool slightly: Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting immediately.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy Your Delicious Sticky Jamaican Ginger Cake!

This recipe delivers a true taste of Jamaica. The combination of warm spices, molasses, and the sticky glaze creates an unforgettable dessert. Share it with friends and family – it's sure to be a hit! Remember to adjust the spice levels to your liking. Experiment with different types of ginger, or add other complementary spices like allspice. Happy baking!