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Jamaican Ginger Cake

Introduction & method

McVities make the 'definitive' version of this cake in the UK. It was a weekly treat when I was a kid. But homemade Jamaican ginger cake is seriously easy to make - it has a wonderful crumb texture, a sticky outside and a delightful flavour. Try making your own Jamaican ginger cake - you'll be surprised how easy it is.

Jamaican Ginger Cake Recipe

Start the Batter


Preheat oven to 160°C (fan), 180°C (conventional), gas 4. Line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper. Your butter should be chilled and cut into cubes. In a large bowl, mix together the seived flour, spices and bicarb. Rub in the butter, or just mix it in if using a stand mixer.

Make a Syrup


In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the treacle, golden syrup and sugar together. When the sugar is melted and the syrup is smooth, remove from heat and stir in the milk. Whisk half of the syrup into the flour mixture, then whisk in the egg, and then the remaining syrup.

Bake the Cake


When you have a nice smooth batter, pour it into the loaf tin. Bake for 50 minutes, then check for doneness by inserting a skewer in the centre. If it comes out dry, the cake is done. If not, give it a few more minutes. Let the baked cake cool for 5 minutes, then tip it out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. This cake improves over time, and will keep for 7-10 days in an airtight container.



The video above is from the Keef Cooks YouTube channel. Click here to see the video recipe of Jamaican Ginger Cake on YouTube.

 

Ingredients & Info


BATTER
 200 grams plain (all-purpose) flour
 200 ml milk
 100 grams butter
 100 grams black treacle
 100 grams golden syrup
 100 grams dark brown muscovado sugar
 1 egg
 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
 1 tbsp ground ginger
 1 tsp mixed spice
 1 tsp ground cinnamon

UNITS:
Metric
US Customary/Imperial

Serves 10 -12
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cooking time: 50 minutes.
Total time: 1 hour.