Tillie’s Ginger Crumb Cake

Tillie’s Ginger Crumb Cake is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations. This delightful cake is a celebration of the warm and spicy flavors of ginger combined with a buttery crumb topping, creating a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we will not only guide you through the step-by-step process of creating Tillie’s Ginger Crumb Cake but also delve into the heartwarming history behind this beloved family heirloom.

INGREDIENTS

For the Ginger Crumb Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Ginger Crumb Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or a similar-sized cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves). Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the molasses.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake tough.
6. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

For the Crumb Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
2. Add the cold, cubed 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture with pea-sized pieces of butter.

Assembly:

1. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
2. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack.
4. Once cooled, slice, serve, and savor the heartwarming flavors of Tillie’s Ginger Crumb Cake, a cherished family tradition that connects us to the past and the joy of homemade treats.

Enjoy this delightful cake with a cup of tea or coffee, and appreciate the history and love that have gone into preserving this treasured recipe over the years.