There’s nothing quite like the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven to make your home feel cozy and warm. Add in the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries and a sticky glaze, and you’ve got a festive treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. This Sticky Cranberry Gingerbread recipe combines the classic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses with a burst of tangy cranberries to create a delightful dessert or snack that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Sticky Cranberry Gingerbread Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup molasses
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup hot water
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– Additional butter for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter.
2. In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with a tablespoon of flour to coat and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined.
6. In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water.
7. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, alternating with the hot water mixture, mixing until just combined.
8. Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. While the gingerbread is baking, prepare the sticky glaze.
Sticky Glaze:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions for Glaze:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Stir in the butter and molasses, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.
12. Once the gingerbread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
13. Using a skewer or toothpick, poke holes all over the top of the gingerbread.
14. Pour the sticky glaze over the warm gingerbread, allowing it to seep into the holes and cover the surface.
15. Let the gingerbread cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars to serve.
This Sticky Cranberry Gingerbread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a sweet gift for friends and neighbors. With the warm spices of ginger and cinnamon combined with the zing of cranberries, each bite is a burst of festive flavor that will bring joy to all who taste it. Enjoy this scrumptious treat with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
