Spiced Orange Gingerbread Delight
Indulge in the festive flavors of this Spiced Orange Gingerbread Delight, a delightful treat that captures the essence of winter holidays. This recipe combines the warmth of fresh ginger, fragrant spices, and the bright zest of orange to create a rich, moist gingerbread that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. While this recipe isn't sourced directly from Starbucks, the blend of ingredients may evoke similar fond memories of sipping holiday beverages while enjoying a slice of gingerbread. Bake this in an 8x8, 9x9, or 11x7-inch pan, and feel free to serve it plain or dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a festive touch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
white sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
eggs
2 (large, beaten)
orange
1 (zest only)
fresh minced ginger
1 teaspoon (peeled and chopped)
water
3 tablespoons
unsweetened applesauce
1 cup
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
clove
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Coleman's mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon
baking powder
2 teaspoons
baking soda
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
minced candied ginger
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your preferred baking dish (8x8, 9x9, or 11x7 inches).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Add the vanilla extract, eggs, orange zest, and minced ginger to the bowl. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined.
4
Stir in the water and unsweetened applesauce until fully incorporated into the batter.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mustard powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
7
Gently fold in the minced candied ginger, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, optionally garnished with powdered sugar or icing if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Orange Gingerbread Delight?
It is a festive holiday treat that combines fresh ginger, fragrant spices, and orange zest to create a rich, moist gingerbread perfect for winter gatherings.
What pan sizes are suitable for this gingerbread recipe?
You can use an 8x8, 9x9, or 11x7-inch baking dish.
How long does the gingerbread need to bake?
The gingerbread should be baked for 35-40 minutes in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
You should grease your preferred baking dish before adding the batter.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The process begins by creaming softened butter with brown sugar and white sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
What type of applesauce should be used?
The recipe calls for one cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Is fresh ginger included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe uses one teaspoon of fresh minced ginger that has been peeled and chopped.
Does this recipe use candied ginger?
Yes, one tablespoon of minced candied ginger is folded into the batter at the end.
What spices are used in the dry ingredient mix?
The spices include ground cinnamon, cloves, freshly grated nutmeg, and Coleman's mustard powder.
Why is mustard powder included in the gingerbread?
Mustard powder is a traditional addition that adds a subtle depth of flavor and warmth to the spiced profile.
Should the dry ingredients be sifted?
Yes, the all-purpose flour and spices should be sifted together in a separate bowl before being added to the wet ingredients.
How should I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Why is it important to avoid overmixing?
Avoiding overmixing ensures that the texture of the gingerbread remains light and moist.
How do I know when the gingerbread is finished baking?
It is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the dish comes out clean.
What is the recommended cooling process?
Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I add any toppings to this gingerbread?
Yes, you can serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a more festive touch.
Is this a Starbucks recipe?
No, it is not sourced directly from Starbucks, but it is inspired by the flavors of holiday beverages often found there.
What type of sugars are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
Two large, beaten eggs are required for this recipe.
What part of the orange is used?
The recipe specifically uses the zest of one orange.
What role does the water play?
Three tablespoons of water are stirred in with the applesauce to help achieve the correct batter consistency.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses both 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much vanilla extract is added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients in total.
Is the ginger added to the dry or wet mix?
The fresh minced ginger is added to the wet mixture with the eggs and zest, while candied ginger is folded in at the end.
Can I serve this cake plain?
Yes, the recipe states it is delightful when served plain or dressed up with garnish.
What is the suggested speed for the electric mixer?
Use medium speed for creaming butter and sugar, and low speed when adding other wet and dry ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful treat that captures the essence of winter holidays.