Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a warm, spiced treat that captures the essence of comfort baking, this recipe is for you. With a delightful combination of rich molasses and aromatic spices, these baked squares offer a taste that’s reminiscent of fall and holiday gatherings. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this treat is sure to please any crowd.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 squares
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line an 18×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter may be slightly lumpy.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare an 18×13-inch baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until they are well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, unsulphured molasses, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir the mixture until just combined, ensuring not to overmix; a slightly lumpy batter is acceptable.
Step 5: Pour the Batter
Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly out to the edges.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the top of the batter is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Cut the baked goods into squares and serve warm, optionally topping with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that the buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Substitutions
For a dairy-free version, consider using almond milk or your preferred non-dairy milk combined with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.
Spice Adjustments
Adjust the spices to your taste, adding more cinnamon or ginger if desired for a stronger flavor.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the buttermilk, molasses, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to a tough texture.
Pouring Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to spread it evenly to all edges to ensure uniform baking.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the baked item to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
FAQ
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but for a similar effect, consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes to curdle.
What can I use instead of unsulfured molasses?
If you don’t have unsulfured molasses, you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze the batter?
It is best to bake the batter first and then freeze the baked squares, as the texture may be affected if the batter is frozen before baking.
Can I add nuts or fruits to the batter?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding nuts, fruits, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This recipe yields a deliciously spiced treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With the combination of warm spices and the depth of flavor from molasses, it is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or topped with your favorite condiments for an extra special touch.
Gingerbread Pancakes
Transform the batter into fluffy gingerbread pancakes for a festive breakfast option. Serve with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Spiced Waffles
Use the same batter to make crispy and soft spiced waffles, ideal for a cozy brunch. Top with butter and fresh fruit for a satisfying meal.
Molasses Cookies
Add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter, bake as cookies, and enjoy chewy molasses cookies with a hint of spice.
Fruit-Topped Breakfast Bake
Incorporate fresh or frozen berries into the batter before baking. The fruit will add a juicy burst to each square.
Pumpkin Spice Variation
Substitute part of the buttermilk with pumpkin puree for a delightful pumpkin spice flavor, perfect for fall.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar to the batter before baking for a delicious twist reminiscent of a cinnamon roll casserole.
Maple Glazed Treats
Drizzle a maple glaze over the baked squares for an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
