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Hairy Bikers Gingerbread

Hairy Bikers Gingerbread recipe

Hairy Bikers Gingerbread is a classic spiced cake known for its dark, sticky texture and warm ginger flavor. Unlike American-style gingerbread cookies, this version is more like a dense cake, traditionally baked in a loaf or tray, and is known for its moistness and deep flavor. Perfect for cold weather, this gingerbread improves in flavor after sitting for a day or two, becoming even stickier and more flavorful.

Ingredients

To create this deliciously spiced gingerbread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Self-raising flour (225g): Gives the gingerbread its light, spongy texture.
  • Butter (115g): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
  • Soft brown sugar (115g): Provides sweetness and a slightly caramel flavor.
  • Golden syrup (115g): Contributes to the moist, sticky texture.
  • Black treacle (molasses) (115g): Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
  • Milk (150ml): Helps to loosen the batter and keep the cake moist.
  • Ground ginger (2 tsp): The key spice that gives the gingerbread its signature flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and complements the ginger.
  • Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) (1 tsp): Helps the gingerbread rise.
  • Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

  • Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) or 140°C (fan).
  • Grease and line a loaf tin or square baking tin (around 8×8 inches) with greaseproof paper.

Step 2: Melt the Wet Ingredients

  • In a medium saucepan, gently melt the butter, soft brown sugar, golden syrup, and black treacle over low heat.
  • Stir occasionally until everything has melted and combined smoothly.
  • Once melted, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and bicarbonate of soda.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients to the Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually pour the melted butter and sugar mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine.
  • Pour in the milk and stir until you have a smooth batter.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

  • Lightly beat the eggs and fold them into the batter until fully combined.

Step 6: Bake the Gingerbread

  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the gingerbread feels firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Store

  • Allow the gingerbread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, wrap the gingerbread in greaseproof paper and store in an airtight container. The gingerbread improves in flavor and texture after 1-2 days.