Easy Jamaican Ginger Cake

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 200g (1¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 150g (¾ cup) dark brown sugar
• 150g (½ cup) black treacle/molasses
• 100g (⅓ cup) golden syrup
• 125ml (½ cup) whole milk
• 125ml (½ cup) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Glaze

• 2 tablespoons golden syrup, warmed

Fresh Addition

• 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger (optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation

• Preheat oven to 170°C/340°F (150°C/300°F fan-assisted)
• Line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper
• Grease the paper lightly with oil

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

• Sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda into a large bowl
• Add ground ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
• Whisk to combine thoroughly

1. Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, mix dark brown sugar, treacle/molasses, and golden syrup
• Heat milk until warm (not hot)
• Add milk, oil, egg, and vanilla to sugar mixture
• Stir in fresh grated ginger if using

1. Create Batter

• Make a well in dry ingredients
• Pour wet mixture into well
• Fold gently until just combined
• Don’t overmix; some small lumps are fine

1. Bake

• Pour batter into prepared tin
• Bake 50-60 minutes
• Test with skewer; should come out clean
• Cool in tin for 10 minutes

1. Finish

• Brush warm cake with heated golden syrup
• Cool completely before slicing

Nutritional Information

Per slice (based on 10 slices):

• Calories: 325
• Total Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 32g

Pro Tips and Tricks

1. Room temperature ingredients ensure better incorporation and even baking
2. Don’t overmix the batter; stop when ingredients are just combined
3. Test doneness 5 minutes before recommended time
4. Place foil over cake if browning too quickly
5. Store with a slice of apple to maintain moisture

Variations

1. Gluten-Free Version

• Replace flour with gluten-free blend
• Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum

1. Dairy-Free Adaptation

• Use plant-based milk
• Replace butter with coconut oil

1. Spice Variations

• Add cardamom for Indian twist
• Include allspice for extra warmth
• Double ginger for more heat