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 ½ 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 biscuits
Gingerbread Traybake
Iced Ginger Cake
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
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 mixtureBasically, 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 bowlYou 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 extraThe 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.
- Store in an airtight container for 2 weeks
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Lynn says
Can not believe how easy this ginger cake is to make, the best recipe I have ever used, will never stop making it.
Susie Collings says
Hi Lynn, Glad you like it. Especially warming for winter 🙂
Geraldine Short says
Hi Susie,
Is there a substitute for treacle please.
Thanks
Geraldine
Susie Collings says
Hi Geraldine, You could use golden syrup, which will make a lighter cake.
Iain Frew says
My friends birthday is coming up soon, I've made this recipe and love it very much, her Son can't eat dairy, would it be possible to substitute non-dairy butter or trex (vegetable fat) for the butter in this recipe? Any help appreciated...
Susie Collings says
Hi Iain, I would use a hard non-dairy spread (used to be called margarine) like Stork in a block, not a tub. Many of the spreadables aren't suitable for baking.
You will also need to substitute the milk, of course, I have successfully used soya milk in baking, but I'm sure any of the plant-based milks are fine.
Glad you like the cake and hope your friend does too. Cheers - Susie
Susie M says
This is the easiest and best recipe for ginger cake I’ve ever made, thanks!
Susie Collings says
Thanks for that - it's nice to know 🙂
Claire Walsh says
Hi I’m going to bake this for my dad he loves iced ginger cake. Do you think he will love this recipe?
Claire says
This is the best recipe for iced ginger that I’ve tried. Rich and autumnal in flavour, I’m sure it will become a favourite
Susie Collings says
Hi Claire, Thanks for that. It's good to know you like it - something to cheer up autumn and winter 🙂 Cheers - Susie