Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake is a moist, dark, and deeply aromatic loaf-style cake, laced with the bold warmth of ginger and the richness of dark syrup and muscovado sugar. Hailing from the hearty and no-fuss culinary ethos of the Hairy Bikers-a dynamic British cooking duo known for their comfort-food sensibilities-this cake is the embodiment of old-fashioned baking with a big personality.

With roots in classic British teatime bakes, this cake borrows from the traditional parkin or Yorkshire gingerbread style, boasting intense flavors and a sticky top that only gets better with age. It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t demand icing or fanciness-just a good cup of tea and perhaps a dollop of clotted cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To craft this richly spiced cake, you’ll need a well-balanced mix of sweet, spice, and fat. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

Dry Ingredients:

• 225g plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground cloves (optional for depth)

Sugars & Sweeteners:

• 100g dark muscovado sugar
• 115g golden syrup
• 115g black treacle (for that intense, molasses-rich flavor)

Fat & Liquid:

• 125g unsalted butter
• 2 medium eggs
• 275ml milk (whole milk preferred for richness)

Extra touches (optional but divine):

• A handful of chopped stem ginger for added bite and texture
• Zest of an orange for citrus brightness
• A dash of nutmeg or mixed spice if you want to add a more complex spice profile

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a high-tech kitchen for this rustic beauty. Here’s what you’ll want at the ready:

• 900g (2lb) loaf tin, lined with parchment or greased and floured
• Large saucepan (for melting the butter and sugars)
• Mixing bowl
• Balloon whisk or electric hand mixer
• Sieve (for flour and dry ingredients)
• Measuring jug for milk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake

1. Prep the Tin:
   Line a 900g loaf tin with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan 140°C) / 325°F / Gas Mark 3.

2. Melt the Syrups and Butter:
   In a large saucepan over gentle heat, melt together the butter, golden syrup, black treacle, and muscovado sugar. Stir occasionally until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and any other spices you’re using.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   Beat the eggs into the cooled syrup mixture, followed by the milk. Whisk until well combined.

5. Combine and Stir:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth. The batter will be fairly runny-this is normal.

6. Pour and Bake:
   Pour the batter into your prepared tin. Bake in the center of the oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Don’t open the oven early-ginger cake is prone to sinking if disturbed too soon.

7. Cool and (Optionally) Store:
   Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If you can wait, wrap the cake in baking parchment and foil and leave it for 1-2 days. The flavor matures beautifully!

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Rest for the Best: This cake genuinely improves over time. Bake it a couple of days in advance-it becomes stickier and deeper in flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added, stir gently just until incorporated to avoid a dense texture.
• Spice It Up Your Way: Customize the spices to your palate. Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Add Texture: Finely chopped stem ginger or even raisins add little pockets of surprise.
• Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully-slice and wrap individually for ginger cake on demand.

The Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake is not just a recipe-it’s a ritual. It’s the kind of bake that brings with it the warmth of a country kitchen, the comfort of tradition, and the irresistible allure of spiced sweetness.

Whether you’re making it for a rainy Sunday treat or as a nostalgic nod to British baking heritage, this cake delivers bold flavor and homey satisfaction in every slice. Let it sit, let it steep in its own richness, and enjoy the gingered magic unfold.

Simple Twists On Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ ginger cake is a soul-soothing staple of British baking-moist, richly spiced, and gorgeously sticky with a treacle-kissed finish. But for those adventurous bakers who love to riff on tradition, here are some deliciously inventive twists to bring new life to this classic bake.

1. Citrus Zing: Add the zest of an orange or a lemon to the batter to brighten the cake’s deep, warm spice profile. A splash of fresh orange juice in place of some milk or water introduces a delicate acidity that elevates the ginger.
2. Boozy Boost: A tablespoon or two of dark rum, brandy, or even whisky stirred into the wet ingredients brings out the molasses tones and gives the cake a festive kick-especially lovely in winter or for holiday occasions.
3. Nutty Texture: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and contrast. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor, adding a satisfying depth to every bite.
4. Fruity Add-Ins: Diced stem ginger, chopped dried figs, or juicy raisins can make the cake even more luxurious. If you’re using dried fruit, soak it in tea or booze first for plump, flavor-packed bursts.
5. Frosted Finish: While traditional ginger cake is served plain or with a simple glaze, a thick layer of lemon cream cheese frosting or a dark chocolate ganache turns it into an indulgent dessert centerpiece.

Each of these twists preserves the essence of the original recipe but gives it a unique personality-making it perfect for impressing at afternoon tea or giving as a thoughtful homemade gift.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

A well-made ginger cake actually improves over time as the spices deepen and the crumb becomes even more moist and sticky. Proper storage is key to enjoying every last slice.

1. Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the cake to cool fully to room temperature. Wrapping a warm cake traps steam, leading to soggy edges and spoilage.
2. Wrap Well: Wrap the cake tightly in cling film or beeswax wrap, ensuring it’s fully sealed. For an added layer of protection, place it in an airtight container or a cake tin.
3. Store at Room Temperature: Ginger cake keeps beautifully for up to 5 days at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid the fridge, which can dry out the sponge.
4. Freeze for Longer Life: Want to savor it weeks later? Freeze individual slices wrapped in baking parchment and foil or freezer-safe wrap. Defrost at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that just-baked feel.

This method ensures your cake remains just as delightful days later as when it first came out of the oven-perhaps even more so.

What To Eat With Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake?

Ginger cake is wonderfully versatile, and what you serve with it can transform it from a humble teatime treat into a decadent dessert.

1. Pouring Cream: A drizzle of double cream over a warm slice is the ultimate in comfort food. The cool silkiness balances the rich, sticky sponge perfectly.
2. Custard: Classic vanilla custard (hot or cold) turns this cake into a nostalgic school-dinner-style pudding-but in the best possible way.
3. Ice Cream: Try it with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or salted caramel ice cream. The contrast between hot cake and cold ice cream is divine.
4. Cheese Pairings: For a savory twist, enjoy a small slice of ginger cake with a wedge of crumbly blue cheese or a sharp mature cheddar-an old Yorkshire tradition that highlights the cake’s sweet spice.
5. Tea & Tipples: Naturally, this cake is meant to be paired with a cup of strong black tea, like Assam or Earl Grey. But for a more grown-up pairing, try it with a nip of port, tawny sherry, or a spiced cider.

Each pairing enhances the cake in different ways, turning a single recipe into a dozen delightful experiences.

Conclusion

The Hairy Bikers’ ginger cake is a true treasure of British baking-reliable, nostalgic, and infinitely adaptable. Whether you stick to the original or infuse it with zesty citrus, warming booze, or playful textures, you’re guaranteed a cake that brings joy. Stored properly, it lasts beautifully, and with the right accompaniments, it shines in any setting-from a cozy kitchen to a celebratory feast.

So go ahead-slice it thick, serve it warm, and let the sweet, spiced magic work its charm.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For The Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake?

The Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake recipe requires ingredients such as self-raising flour, ground ginger, mixed spice, bicarbonate of soda, butter, dark brown sugar, golden syrup, black treacle, milk, eggs, and fresh ginger. These ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful cake with a lovely, spiced ginger profile.

How Long Does It Take To Bake The Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake?

The baking time for the Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake is typically around 45-55 minutes at 180°C (350°F), depending on your oven. It’s important to check the cake with a skewer; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. The cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of the cake tin used.

Can I Make Adjustments To The Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake Recipe For Dietary Preferences?

Yes, there are a few modifications you can make to the Hairy Bikers’ Ginger Cake recipe. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine and use plant-based milk. To make the recipe gluten-free, simply swap the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though you may need to adjust the amount of baking powder or bicarbonate of soda for the right texture.