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BLANK » Recipe Index » Caribbean Dishes

Vegan Jamaican Ginger Cake

October 2, 2023 by Charla 18 Comments

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Homemade ginger cake, gluten and dairy free so much better than storebrought with a real taste of the Caribbean

 Learn how to make this delicious, dark, moist, sweet and heart warming spiced infused homemade Jamaican Ginger Cake. This baked treat is completely gluten free and vegan friendly.  This is the real deal and tastes a million times better than the store bought version.

Slices of cake with tea

I think it's about time that I introduced you to another Jamaican classic cake.

This one is a mouth watering Jamaican ginger infused cake aka Jamaican Gingerbread Cake, made from scratch and great to serve at a family gathering.

I promise you will fall in love with this seriously moist ginger cake after one serving.

When it came to baking sweet treats and desserts, my grandmother was the queen of whipping up cakes.

I have fond childhood memories of my sweet grandma making toto (coconut cake), Jamaican sweet potato pudding and cornmeal pone.

Ginger cake was a favourite of mine so I used to love Sundays when my grandmother would tell me that she was going to bake some cake.

I would always put in my request for some Jamaican Ginger Cake.

Unlike the store bought Mcvities ginger cake, true Caribbean gingerbread is moist but not sticky at all. 

I'm such a ginger-holic that these Gluten Free Gingerbread Muffins are a favourite too.

If you've tried both cakes you will immediately tell there is a distinct difference and that's because the factory clone recipe has been adapted to something much more sticky (taste too sickly in my opinion).

I honesty don't feel that this version showcases what Caribbean ginger cake truly is.

Molasses vs treacle

In case you do not know the difference between the two.

Here is a quick bullet point break down;

  • Treacle is a term typically used in the UK to refer to uncrystalized syrup which is dark syrup.
  • Treacle is a dark, stick and thick syrup which contains sugarcane molasses.
  • Treacle has a dark, rich deep flavour that's essentially burnt sugar with a hint of bitterness.
  • Although some people refer to "molasses" and "treacle" interchangeable they are NOT the same
  • Molasses is milder in taste (unless it is blackstrap)(source).
3 slices of cake, stacked up

Ingredients you need

  • Gluten free flour:  You can use my homemade gluten free flour or use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. Both will work for this recipe!
  • Dairy free butter: I like to use Flora (Unsalted) vegan butter but Earth Balance is another good butter!
  • Raw cane sugar: This and coconut sugar is my go to, but raw cane sugar has a sweeter edge so I use this most of the time.
  • Blackstrap Molasses: (Unsulphured) Be sure to use molasses that is labelled "Unsulphured" and "Blackstrap". Blackstrap molasses has been boiled down three times to remove the sugar content making it more suitable for certain dietary requirements
  • Baking soda/powder: These two are used as rising agent to make the loaf rise.
  • Flax eggs: Any eggs that are large, free range or otherwise work well.
  • Spices: Mixed spice/ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are all added to flavour.
  • Fresh ginger: Some grated ginger root will really enhance the ginger taste. Definitely use a combination of fresh and dried ginger for optimal results.
  • Pink salt/ vanilla extract: Both are used for taste

The steps

Steps 1-4 creaming the sugar and the butter
  • Preheat oven at 180c/356F and line a loaf pan with a liner.
  • Add the vegan butter and raw cane sugar to a medium sized bowl.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together (you can do this by hand using a spoon or whisk) until it is fluffy.
Steps 5-8 adding the water, vanilla and molasses
  • Stir in the flax eggs and ginger until it is thoroughly combined and set aside.
  • Add the hot water, vanilla and molasses to a jug and mix together and set aside.
  • Combine the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice and pink salt then mix to combine and set aside.
Steps 9-12 adding the dry ingredients to the wet
  • Pour the molasses mixture into the creamed butter/sugar while stirring.
  • Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, in increments until a smooth batter is formed.
  • Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
Steps 13-16 baking the cake batter
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes, using a tooth pick to determine its readiness (it should come out clean)
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer onto a cooling rack.
  • Allow the cake to completely cool down (leave for a few hours/overnight before slicing).

Notes and tips

  • Let the cake COOL DOWN COMPLETELY before slicing into it. Leave it for a few hours or preferably overnight so it won't crumble.
  • You don't need a stand mixer for this recipe, you can used a electric or hand held whisk.
  • Feel free to add in any dried fruit or nuts i.e raisins, currants, cherries, pine nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds etc...
  • This is a freezer friendly recipe, but sure to cut into slices, wrap in saran then aluminium foil and store in a freezer friendly bag for up to 6 weeks (make sure to leave on the countertop to thaw out).
  • Leave the butter to stand at room temperature overnight or an 1-2 hours before baking. Solid butter can't be whipped/creamed with the sugar.
  • The molasses is what gives the cake that dark hue. This is perfectly normal because molasses is naturally a thick consistency and black in colour.
  • It's okay to use treacle if you cannot find blackstrap molasses.
2 slices of cake on a plate

More Caribbean recipes to try

  • Jamaican Toto
  • Jamaican Black Cake
  • Jamaican Rum Cake
  • Cornmeal Pudding
  • Jamaican Toto
  • Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
  • Caribbean Coconut Rum Cupcakes
  • Sorrel Cake

**Please comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Support my website by leaving a donation through Buying Me a Coffee. A site to show your appreciation of my hardwork over the years.  Let's be friends and engage on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**

3 slices of cake stacked up

Vegan Jamaican Ginger Cake

Learn how to make this delicious, dark, moist, sweet and heart warming spiced infused homemade Jamaican Ginger Cake. This baked treat is completely gluten free and vegan friendly.  This is the real deal and tastes a million times better than the store bought version.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Jamaican
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 488kcal
Author: Charla

Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegan butter (56g) softened
  • ¾ cup raw cane sugar (150g)
  • 2 flax eggs (20g)
  • 2 tablespoon fresh ginger (14g) grated
  • ½ cup hot water (118ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (4g)
  • ⅓ cup black strap molasses (80ml)
  • 1¼ cup gluten free flour (170g)
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger (5g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (2g)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2g)
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg (2g)
  • ½ teaspoon mixed spice (1g)
  • ⅛ teaspoon pink salt (0.75g)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 180C/356F and line a loaf pan with a liner.
  • Add the vegan butter and raw cane sugar to a medium sized bowl.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together (you can do this by hand using a spoon or whisk) until it is fluffy.
  • Stir in the flax eggs and ginger until it is thoroughly combined and set aside.
  • Add the hot water, vanilla and molasses to a jug and mix together and set aside.
  • Combine the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice and pink salt then mix to combine and set aside.
  • Pour the molasses mixture into the creamed butter/sugar while stirring.
  • Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, in increments until a smooth batter is formed.
  • Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes, using a tooth pick to determine its readiness (it should come out clean).
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer onto a cooling rack.
  • Allow the cake to completely cool down (leave for a few hours/overnight before slicing).

Notes

  • Let the cake COOL DOWN COMPLETELY before slicing into it. Leave it for a few hours or preferably overnight so it won't crumble.
  • You don't need a stand mixer for this recipe, you can used a electric or hand held whisk.
  • Feel free to add in any dried fruit or nuts i.e raisins, currants, cherries, pine nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds etc...
  • This is a freezer friendly recipe, but sure to cut into slices, wrap in saran then aluminium foil and store in a freezer friendly bag for up to 6 weeks (make sure to leave on the countertop to thaw out).
  • Leave the butter to stand at room temperature overnight or an 1-2 hours before baking. Solid butter can't be whipped/creamed with the sugar.
  • The molasses is what gives the cake that dark hue. This is perfectly normal because molasses is naturally a thick consistency and black in colour.
  • It's okay to use treacle if you cannot find blackstrap molasses.

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 499mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ThatGirlCooksHealthy or tag #ThatGirlCooksHealthy!

More Caribbean Dishes

  • Jamaican Boiled Dumplings (Gluten Free)
  • Caribbean peanut punch
    Caribbean Peanut Punch
  • A single bowl of conch salad
    Bahamian Conch Salad Recipe
  • A bowl of different chopped fruit
    Tropical Fruit Salad

About Charla

I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

Comments

  1. Annie says

    December 28, 2023 at 9:37 pm

    Hello, I have made this recipe several times in the past with regular all purpose flour. In the past, I use to get two loaf pans from the recipe. Have you changed the recipe? I have a large family and having the 2 loaf pans was very convenient.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      December 28, 2023 at 10:21 pm

      I'm assuming you are referring to the old version of the recipe? If so, yes the recipe has been adapted to being more vegan friendly so there has been a change in quantity and ratio.

      Reply
  2. Miah Hylton says

    October 09, 2023 at 2:09 am

    5 stars
    Very nice. Love the blog. Thanks you 🥰

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 09, 2023 at 10:32 am

      You are very welcome Miah

      Reply
  3. Toni says

    April 01, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a delicious cake!! I would love to make it again!

    Reply
    • Charla says

      April 01, 2020 at 7:45 pm

      So glad you liked it Toni

      Reply
      • daisy says

        November 10, 2020 at 8:00 pm

        Is the amount of calories for the whole cake or for a slice?

        Reply
        • Charla says

          November 10, 2020 at 11:05 pm

          For the whole cake

          Reply
  4. Denay DeGuzman says

    April 01, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    5 stars
    What a fabulous ginger cake! I love trying recipes from around the world. This one's a real winner! Next time around I'll be doubling this delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Charla says

      April 01, 2020 at 7:46 pm

      Yay! Glad to hear that Denay.

      Reply
  5. Tawnie Kroll says

    April 01, 2020 at 6:24 pm

    5 stars
    Made this last night and enjoying some with my morning coffee now - thank you for a fab recipe, so moist!!

    Reply
    • Charla says

      April 01, 2020 at 7:46 pm

      Thank you Tawnie. That's good to know!

      Reply
  6. Emily Liao says

    April 01, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    5 stars
    The blend of spices in this cake are absolutely delicious! Will definitely be making this again.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      April 01, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      Glad you liked it Emily

      Reply
  7. Abigail Raines says

    April 01, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! An explosion of flavors in my mouth with every bite. I love a good spice cake and this sure looks it.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      April 01, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      Thank you so much Abigail.

      Reply
  8. Sylvia Price says

    September 07, 2019 at 11:37 am

    5 stars
    I love your website and your recipes are always interesting. Healthy but fun, this was as nice to make as it looks 😋

    Reply
    • Charla says

      September 08, 2019 at 6:30 am

      Thanks Sylvia

      Reply
5 from 10 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Hey, I'm Charla!

I'm an avid Caribbean foodie. Welcome to the haven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

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