Barbadian Spiced Gingerbread

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Pardubický perník to Barbadian cuisine, we have incorporated the vibrant flavors and spices commonly found in Barbadian cooking. The original Czech gingerbread is typically flavored with honey and a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. In the Barbadian version, we have replaced honey with molasses for a richer sweetness and added the traditional Barbadian spice blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile. This adaptation brings a taste of the Caribbean to the classic gingerbread recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Pardubický perník, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 44g, 24g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, combine the molasses, vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Molasses — Make sure to use unsulfured molasses for the best flavor and texture.
• Ground ginger — Adjust the amount of ginger according to your preference for spiciness.
• Brown sugar — For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the batter.
• Serve the gingerbread warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To make it more festive, dust the top of the gingerbread with powdered sugar before serving.
• Experiment with different spices like allspice or cloves to customize the flavor to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Barbadian Spiced Gingerbread as a dessert or a sweet snack. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the gingerbread with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.