How to Make Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake

The renowned British chef duo, The Hairy Bikers, brings us a ginger cake recipe that perfectly captures the essence of warmth and spice. This cake stands out with its potent ginger punch, achieved through a harmonious blend of ground ginger, stem ginger, and ginger syrup. Complemented by rich notes of dark muscovado sugar and black treacle, this cake promises a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating.

The beauty of this creation is its perfect balance of moisture and spice. With familiar pantry ingredients and a straightforward method that begins with a gentle melt in a saucepan, you’re on your way to baking an iconic treat. And to top it off? A golden icing infused with ginger syrup that not only looks appealing but adds an extra layer of ginger goodness.

Follow this recipe, and in no time, your kitchen will smell like ginger and spices, making a cake that everyone will want a slice of.

Let’s get started!

What is Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake?

Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake is a sumptuously moist and sticky cake infused with robust ginger flavor. Originating from the recipes of the renowned British duo, The Hairy Bikers, this cake is a perfect blend of ground ginger, stem ginger, and ginger syrup. It is complemented by a hint of cayenne pepper and other warm spices, crowned with a ginger-rich icing.

• Learn: Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why this ginger cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire:

1. Intense Flavor: The triple ginger infusion ensures an authentic and powerful ginger taste.
2. Moist Texture: The ingredients and method come together to produce a cake that’s delightfully moist and sticky.
3. Versatility: Whether it’s a rainy day treat with tea or a showstopper at a dinner party, this cake fits every occasion.
4. Longevity: This cake matures beautifully, becoming even more flavorful with time.

Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake Ingredients

To make this cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 175 g (6oz) butter, diced, plus extra for greasing
• 150g (5oz) dark muscovado sugar
• 3 level tbsp black treacle
• 150 ml (5fl oz) semi-skimmed milk
• 2 balls of stem ginger, grated
• 225 g (8oz) plain flour, sifted
• 1 level tbsp ground ginger
• 11⁄2 level tsp ground cinnamon
• 11⁄2 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 medium eggs, beaten
• For the icing
• 150 g (5oz) golden icing sugar
• 2tbsp ginger syrup from the jar
• 1 ball of stem ginger, roughly chopped

Equipment

You will also need the following equipment:

• A 20.5x 20.5cm (8x8in) cake tin
• Baking parchment
• A large saucepan
• A wooden spoon or spatula
• A sieve
• A whisk
• A wire rack
• A small bowl
• A fork or spoon

Instruction to Make Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake

Follow these steps to make the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan oven) mark 6. Grease the cake tin and line it with baking parchment.
2. Put the butter, sugar, treacle, milk, and grated ginger in the saucepan and heat gently until melted, stirring to mix well.
3. Add the flour, spices, and bicarbonate of soda to the saucepan and whisk well to combine.
4. Add the beaten eggs and whisk again until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. To make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a small bowl and add the ginger syrup and 1 tbsp of cold water. Mix well until smooth and runny.
8. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and scatter with the chopped stem ginger.
9. Cut into slices and enjoy!

How Do I Serve Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake?

This cake is a star on its own, but to elevate your serving game:

• Pair it with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, where the warmth complements the ginger’s spiciness.
• Add a dollop of clotted cream or vanilla ice cream on the side for a creamy contrast.
• Sprinkle some candied ginger or lemon zest on top for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve it as a dessert, following a hearty meal, to wrap up with a sweet note.

Pro Tips to Make the Perfect Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake

• Ingredient Temperature: Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh stem ginger will enhance the cake’s flavor profile.
• Monitor Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.
• Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
• Customize: Don’t hesitate to adjust the ginger and cayenne levels to suit your taste preference.

How Do I Freeze and Store Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake?

1. Storing: Once cooled, place the cake in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to a week.
2. Freezing: Wrap the completely cooled cake (without icing) in cling film or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight at room temperature and then ice.

Nutrition (per slice, based on 12 slices):

Each serving provides:

• Calories: 371 kcal
• Fat: 13 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 287 mg

How Do I Reheat Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake?

1. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place the cake slice on an oven-safe plate and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
2. Microwave: Place the cake slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium for 20-30 seconds or until warmed.
3. Note: If the cake has icing, be cautious when reheating to avoid melting the icing excessively.

Other Hairy Bikers Cake Recipes

• Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake
• Hairy Bikers Lemon Drizzle Cake

FAQs

What can I use as a substitute for stem ginger?

If you don’t have stem ginger on hand, you can use fresh ginger as a replacement. Just peel and grate approximately 4 tablespoons of fresh ginger and add it to the recipe in place of the stem ginger. Another option is crystallized or candied ginger, but this is sweeter, so you might want to adjust the sugar content accordingly.

Can I make this ginger cake vegan?

Yes, you can adapt the Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake to be vegan. Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil. Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 flax egg = 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or another vegan egg replacement. Ensure you also use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk in place of the semi-skimmed milk.

My cake turned out drier than expected. What went wrong?

A few factors can contribute to a dry ginger cake:

1. Overbaking: Even a few extra minutes in the oven can make a significant difference. Always keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the recommended baking time and do the skewer test.
2. Incorrect Oven Temperature: Ovens can sometimes run hotter or cooler than the set temperature. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
3. Ingredient Proportions: Make sure you’re measuring ingredients accurately. Too much flour or not enough liquid can affect the cake’s moisture level.

Can I add additional mix-ins to this cake, like fruits or nuts?

Absolutely! This ginger cake is versatile. You can fold in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Just ensure you don’t overmix the batter and that additional ingredients are evenly distributed.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make the Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake. This cake is a wonderful treat for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests, spoil yourself, or simply enjoy a slice of heaven. It is easy to make, delicious to eat, and keeps well for days. Try it today and let me know what you think!