Best 3 Colonial Williamsburg Gingerbread Cakes Recipes

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In the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, where history and charm intertwine, lies a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered: the Colonial Williamsburg Gingerbread Cakes. These delectable treats, steeped in tradition and authenticity, transport taste buds back to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the culinary heritage of America's colonial past. Masterfully crafted with a blend of aromatic spices, molasses, and zesty ginger, these gingerbread cakes are a testament to the culinary prowess of the Colonial era. From the classic simplicity of the Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake to the decadent richness of the Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Molasses Glaze and the unique charm of the Lemon Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze, each recipe promises an extraordinary taste adventure. Embark on a journey through time, where the warmth of spices, the sweetness of molasses, and the tanginess of ginger harmonize to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you spellbound.

Let's cook with our recipes!

OLD-FASHIONED GINGERBREAD CAKE



Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake image

This Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake has been a staple on Christmas dessert tables for generations!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h7m

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
¾ cup milk
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger ((or up to 1 tablespoon for a stronger flavor))
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Optional, for serving: powdered sugar; whipped cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square cake pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Spray the parchment with cooking spray as well, and then set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the butter and milk. Heat over medium-high, just until the butter is melted and bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Whisk in the brown sugar until dissolved. Remove from the heat and cool.
  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
  • Stir the egg into the cooled butter mixture.
  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the butter mixture. Stir just until a smooth batter forms, being careful not to over-mix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
  • Dust cooled cake with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 slice, Calories 258.7 kcal, Carbohydrate 37.7 g, Protein 3.6 g, Fat 11.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Cholesterol 49.8 mg, Sodium 299.7 mg, Fiber 0.9 g, Sugar 22.4 g, UnsaturatedFat 3.4 g

OLD-FASHIONED WILLIAMSBURG GINGERBREAD COOKIES



Old-Fashioned Williamsburg Gingerbread Cookies image

Take a step back in time with a classic holiday treat! These simple and delicious old-fashioned Williamsburg Gingerbread Cookies (or "ginger cakes") have been loved for generations -- and you will soon discover why!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Cookies     Dessert

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup white sugar
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened at room temperature
½ cup evaporated milk
1 cup molasses
4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (plus additional 1 -1 ½ cups of flour, as needed, to form a workable dough)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
  • Add softened butter, evaporated milk, and molasses. With an electric mixer, start on the lowest speed so that the liquid doesn't splash out of the bowl. Gradually increase the speed until the butter and sugar are creamed together and completely smooth.
  • With the mixer on low speed, gradually add 4 cups of flour (one cup at a time), mixing until the flour is incorporated.
  • The dough should be stiff enough to handle without sticking to your fingers, so if it's still too wet and sticky, add additional flour (½ cup at a time), just until a fairly stiff dough comes together.
  • When the dough is smooth, roll it out to ½-inch thickness on a very well-floured surface.
  • Use a 2 ½-inch round biscuit cutter (or other cookie cutter) to cut the dough into round shapes. Continue to add as much flour as necessary to the dough, the rolling pin, and the cookie cutters to prevent the dough from sticking. Place shapes onto prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden brown but still soft. Make sure that you don't bake them for too long or they will become hard and crispy. To maintain the soft, chewy, cake-like texture, pull them out of the often while they're still soft and let them firm up slightly while they cool.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 large cookie, Calories 195 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Sodium 195 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 16 g, UnsaturatedFat 3 g

COLONIAL WILLIAMBURG GINGER COOKIES



Colonial Williamburg Ginger Cookies image

One of my favorite places in Virginia is Colonial Williamsburg. I am descended from Gabriel Maupin who owned The Market Square Tavern. I love the Ginger Bread Cookies that they sell down the street behind the Raleigh Tavern, so much that I wrote and begged for the recipe. I made a double batch last Christmas and the kids...

Provided by Joanne Watson

Categories     Cookies

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 c sugar
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c evaporated milk
1 c unsulfered molasses
4 c stone-ground or unbleached flour, unsifted

Steps:

  • 1. Combine the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mix well.
  • 2. Add the melted butter/margarine, evaporated milk, and molasses. Mix well.
  • 3. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly. The dough should be stiff enough to handle without sticking to fingers.
  • 4. Knead the dough for a smoother texture. Add up to ½ cup additional flour if needed to prevent sticking.
  • 5. When the dough is smooth, roll it out ¼ inch thick on a floured surface and cut it into cookies. You may roll the dough slightly thicker if you desire a taller cookie.
  • 6. Bake on floured or greased cookie sheets in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes. The cookies are done if they spring back when touched.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will ensure that your gingerbread cakes have the best flavor and texture.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more tender cake.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition: This will help to prevent the batter from curdling.
  • Stir in the dry ingredients gradually: This will help to prevent the batter from becoming too thick or lumpy.
  • Bake the cakes in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that they rise evenly.
  • Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them: This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

These Colonial Williamsburg gingerbread cakes are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any holiday gathering. With their warm spices and rich flavor, these cakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give these gingerbread cakes a try.

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