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Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake

Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake
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Hairy Bikers are known for hearty, traditional recipes. Ginger cake is a classic British loaf made with treacle, syrup, and warming spices.

Unlike lighter sponge cakes, this one has a slightly sticky texture. The syrup gives richness, while the ginger brings heat. It’s simple, rustic, and full of character.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Syrup Base

  • 200 g golden syrup

  • 75 g black treacle

  • 125 g unsalted butter

  • 150 g light brown sugar

Quality note: Use good-quality treacle for deep flavour.

For the Dry Ingredients

  • 225 g plain flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger

  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice

  • Pinch of salt

Sift dry ingredients for even distribution.

For the Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 200 ml whole milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tin

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).

Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Melt the Syrup Base

In a saucepan, gently heat golden syrup, black treacle, butter, and brown sugar.

Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Do not boil — just warm enough to combine.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, mixed spice, and salt.

Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Beat eggs lightly in a separate bowl.

Add milk and mix gently.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Pour the syrup mixture into the dry ingredients.

Add the egg and milk mixture.

Fold gently until smooth and fully combined.

Do not overmix. The batter will be quite thin.

Step 6: Bake Slowly

Pour batter into the prepared loaf tin.

Bake for 50–60 minutes until firm and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For best flavour, wrap and leave overnight before slicing.

The texture improves as it rests.

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/hairy-bikers-ginger-cake/