Iced Ginger Cake

Iced Ginger Cake is a lovely warming cake, just the thing with a cup of tea after an autumn walk.

This cake bring back memories of Guy Fawkes Night when half the village (it seemed) would get together and have an outside party round the bonfire. The only food I remember are the baked potatoes in foil and Iced Ginger Cake. Probably not quite this recipe, as my mother didn’t make that cake, but something very similar.

How much ginger to use?

In the recipe, I’ve said 2-3 teaspoons of powdered ginger. I use 2 1/2 and the cake isn’t overly hot. If you like a spicier cake, add more, but if you only want a hint of ginger add a little less.

I’ve also added a teaspoon of mixed spice. You can buy this or make your own. Don’t miss it out, as it enhances the ginger without adding specific flavour itself. It sort of gives the ginger some extra depth.

Do you have to ice the cake?

Not at all! This cake is fine as a moist Ginger Cake without icing. On the other hand, if you like icing, add it on. Although I love all sorts of ginger cakes, an Iced Ginger Cake just seems that bit more special and icing it only takes five minutes.

How easy is it to make Iced Ginger Cake?

Essentially, this is a ‘Melt & Mix’ recipe. You melt the butter, treacle and golden syrup and mix in everything else. Pour the mixture into a lined tin and cook for a long time.

When the cake has cooled, mix icing sugar and hot water, pour over the cake, and it’s done. No excuses not to get mixing and treat everyone to a warming ginger cake this weekend.

HELPFUL TOOLS

• Baking parchment loaf tin liner – A liner stops the cake sticking and keeps the tin clean – so less washing up. You could store the cake in the liner until you’re ready to eat it, keeping it nice and moist.
  Make sure you buy the right size for your loaf tin. Old fashioned loaf tins are squarer and deeper (and better for bread, I think) than the others which are good for cakes.

IF YOU LIKE THIS…

Why don’t you try:

Ginger Shortbread

Ginger Shortbread uses ground ginger in the biscuit and fudge icing to give this traditional shortbread recipe a warm spice flavour.

Ginger biscuits

Crunchy or chewy, these ginger biscuits are easy to make and quick to cook

Gingerbread Traybake

Gingerbread Traybake is an old-fashioned teatime favourite. Ice it or eat it plain.

Print Recipe

Iced Ginger Cake

Iced Ginger Cake is moist and warming – and easy to make.

Prep Time25 mins

Cook Time1 hr 30 mins

Total Time1 hr 55 mins

Course: Teatime

Cuisine: British

Keyword: easy, family cake

Servings: 12 slices

Author: [email protected] Cooks

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 125 g butter
• 150 g black treacle
• 100 g golden syrup
• 125 ml milk
• 2 large eggs
• 250 g plain/all-purpose flour
• 60 g soft dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (5ml)
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice (5ml)
• 2-3 teaspoons ground ginger (10-15ml)

For the icing and decoration:

• 300 g icing sugar
• Hot water
• Crystallised ginger to decorate

Equipment

2lb loaf tin

Baking parchment loaf tin liner

Large saucepan

Instructions

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 150°C/ 130°C fan/ gas mark 2/ 300°F
• Line the tin with a baking parchment loaf tin liner

For the Iced Ginger Cake:

• Melt the butter, treacle and golden syrup in a large saucepan over a MEDIUM LOW heat. Add the milk and allow the mixture to cool
• Beat the eggs and add to the cooled mixture

  Basically, you want the mixture cool enough not to cook the eggs
• Sieve the dry ingredients together (flour, sugar, bicarb, spice, ginger) and mix in a large mixing bowl

  You may not need to sieve the flour, but the spices, bicarb and sugar sometimes clump
• Add the liquid mixture gradually to the dry ingredients stirring well, but not too vigorously
• Pour the mixture into the lined baking tin
• Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes
• Check the cake is done by pushing a cocktail stick into the middle. If it isn’t sticky the cake is done. If not, cook for another 10-15 minutes
• Allow the cake to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes
• Move the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely.

For the icing:

• Mix the icing sugar with 30-45ml hot water from the kettle. Start with 2 tablespoons (30ml) and see if you need any extra

  The consistency will be thick but as you put it on the cake it will spread slowly without needing a knife
• Spoon the icing over the cake
• Cut the crystallised ginger into slices and place on the cake.

Notes

Everyday Cooks Tips:

Variations:

• Make the cake without icing for a plain Ginger Cake.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container for 2 weeks
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.