Mary's Molasses Cakes Recipe

History of Mary's Molasses Cakes:

Mary's Molasses Cakes is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations. Born out of the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans, this delightful cake holds a special place in the hearts of many. The recipe originated in the late 19th century, when molasses was a staple ingredient in American kitchens.

Fun Fact:

Molasses, a thick, dark syrup derived from cane sugar, was highly prized for its distinct flavor and natural sweetness. It was commonly used as a sweetener in recipes where its robust taste could shine through. Mary's Molasses Cakes are a perfect example of how molasses can elevate a simple cake into a true treat for the senses.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Mary's Molasses Cakes:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoonfuls of butter
- 1 cup New Orleans molasses
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 2 teaspoons of soda
- 1 large egg, separated

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, cream together the light brown sugar and butter until well combined.

2. Add the New Orleans molasses to the mixture. Make sure the molasses has been allowed to come to a boil and then cooled before adding it.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour.

4. Dissolve the soda in the sweet milk. Alternately add the sifted flour and sweet milk mixture to the creamed sugar, butter, and molasses mixture. Begin with adding some flour, then some sweet milk, and continue until all ingredients are incorporated.

5. Beat the mixture well until everything is fully combined.

6. In a small bowl, separate the large egg yolk from the egg white. Add the egg yolk to the cake batter and mix it in.

7. In another clean bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg white into the cake batter, ensuring not to deflate the mixture.

8. Preheat your oven to a hot temperature.

9. Grease and flour two square layer cake pans.

10. Divide the cake batter equally between the two cake pans, spreading it evenly.

11. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes.

13. After they have cooled slightly, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

14. Once the cakes have cooled, you can frost and decorate them as desired. Traditional options include a simple cream cheese frosting or dusting them with powdered sugar.

Enjoy your homemade Mary's Molasses Cakes!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you loved Mary's Molasses Cakes, you might enjoy exploring other recipes that feature molasses as a key ingredient. Here are a few suggestions to tantalize your taste buds:

1. Gingerbread: Molasses is a vital component in gingerbread, lending it a deep, rich flavor. Try making a classic gingerbread cake or gingerbread cookies for a festive treat.

2. Shoofly Pie: A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert, shoofly pie showcases molasses in a sweet, gooey filling that's baked until golden brown. It's the perfect blend of sugar and spice.

3. Molasses Bread: If you're in the mood for a hearty, homemade bread, consider baking a loaf of molasses bread. It pairs well with soups and stews or makes a delicious base for sandwiches.

Venture into the world of molasses-infused desserts and discover the magic of this sweet and flavorful ingredient. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe closely, and enjoy the taste of history with Mary's Molasses Cakes!