Granny's Gingerbread

Is anything more inviting than the spicy‑sweet smell of freshly baked Gingerbread? It’s the kind of aroma that wraps itself around your whole kitchen, stirring up memories of snow‑dusted windows, warm ovens, and holiday afternoons spent baking something special.

Granny's Gingerbread is almost identical to the version I use in one of my favorite Mary Berry cookbooks, but it's been updated with a few American‑friendly substitutions for ingredients you may not have on hand. I usually reach for black treacle, but molasses works beautifully in a pinch. Lyle’s Golden Syrup often hides in the International or baking aisle if you want to stay true to the original flavor. And if you don’t keep mixed spice in your pantry, don’t worry — it’s simply a cozy blend of warm spices, and there are plenty of quick DIY versions online.

One more little secret: this gingerbread actually gets better after a day or two. The flavors deepen, the texture softens, and it becomes the kind of bake that tastes like it’s been waiting just for you.

Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply on its own with a cup of something hot. However you enjoy it, this is one of those bakes that fills your home with comfort long before you take the first bite.

If this bake warms up your winter kitchen, share a photo on Facebook with #thequiltedbakery — I’d love to see your cozy creations.

a pan of gingerbread and a gingerbread out of the pan rest next to each other on a wooden backdrop