1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the molasses.
Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and add to the mixture.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations & Tips
For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you have picky eaters who aren’t fans of strong spices, reduce the ginger and cloves by half. For an extra touch of sweetness, fold in a half cup of raisins or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle flavor enhancement. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of black pepper for a surprising kick that complements the spices beautifully.
