The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear…

Posted: December 5th, 2009 | Filed under: Cake | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Christmas is getting closer and closer and the season is definitely busy busy! We put up the Christmas décor over the week – our tiny Christmas tree, out little nativity, and our precious Christmas plates… and really that is about all that will fit in our little apartment! And over the week Denton had Wassil Fest and the annual tree lighting on the square just a few steps away from where we live. So you can say we are definitely getting into the Christmas spirit. But today was for prepping and baking in my little kitchen. It took me awhile to figure out what I wanted to bake… something just Christmas-y enough… without being a cookie or a yule log… when I remembered something I had wanted to try for while… an Apple Cider Gingerbread Cake. It encompasses the perfect fall and Christmas flavors and smells… amazing.

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When it came out of the oven I just kept smelling it and smelling it… it smells so good… candles wish they smelled like this cake smells.

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Its not difficult, the ingredients are things I had on hand, and it will be a perfect dessert for lunch with friends tomorrow.

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You will want to serve these in small portions because the flavors really pack a punch and it is perfect with a little spiced whipped cream to cool the ginger.

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Apple Cider Gingerbread

1/2 c butter, softened

3/4 c granulated sugar

1/3 c firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 c molasses

1 lg egg

2 c all-purpose flour

4 tbsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1c hot apple cider

Beat butter at a medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Beat in molasses, and add egg until blended. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients. Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually alternating with apple cider until smooth. Pour into a greased 13x9in pan at 350 for 20 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack and cut into 3” portions. Serve with Spiced Whipped Cream.

Spiced Whipped Cream

2 c heavy whipping cream

1/4 c powdered sugar

2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a chilled bowl and with an electric mixer or the whisk attachments on a stand mixer whip at a high speed until soft peaks form.