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Mary Berry Spiced Ginger Cake recipe

Mary Berry Spiced Ginger Cake Recipe

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8-10 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

Mary Berry’s Spiced Ginger Cake is a soft, moist, and slightly sticky loaf or traybake, infused with ground ginger, cinnamon, mixed spice, and golden syrup. It has a deep, warming flavor, making it perfect for autumn, winter, or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • Plain Flour (225g) – Provides structure.
  • Bicarbonate of Soda (1 tsp) – Helps with rise and texture.
  • Ground Ginger (2 tsp) – The main spice for warmth.
  • Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth.
  • Mixed Spice (½ tsp, optional) – Enhances the festive flavor.
  • Butter (100g, unsalted, softened) – For richness.
  • Dark Brown Sugar (100g) – Adds deep caramel flavor.
  • Golden Syrup (175g) – Keeps the cake moist and sticky.
  • Black Treacle or Molasses (50g, optional) – For extra richness.
  • Milk (150ml, warm) – This creates a smooth batter.
  • Egg (1 large, beaten) – Binds the ingredients together.

For the Optional Glaze:

  • Icing Sugar (100g, sifted) – For a light, sweet glaze.
  • Lemon Juice (2 tbsp) – Balances sweetness with tang.

Optional Additions:

  • Stem Ginger (2 tbsp, finely chopped) – Adds extra spice and texture.
  • Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (50g) – For a nutty crunch.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tin

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) fan / 180°C (350°F) conventional.
  2. Line a 900g loaf tin or square baking tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and mixed spice.
  2. Stir in the dark brown sugar to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the butter, golden syrup, and black treacle until melted and combined.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Batter

  1. Slowly pour the warm milk into the flour mixture, stirring continuously.
  2. Add the melted syrup mixture and beaten egg, whisking until smooth.
  3. If using, fold in chopped stem ginger or nuts.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)

  1. Mix icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a tangy finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Slice and serve with butter, cream, or a cup of tea.
  2. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.