I was standing over Mr NQN trying to organise his joint birthday party with his brother. And like a smaller version of my organisational hero Franck Eggelhoffer I was directing. As usual. I had done my research and I was keen to try a new vegetarian restaurant and I thought it would be perfect to go there for the combined birthday celebration-one where vegetarians, vegans, carnivores and just plain regular people would come.
“SMS your brother that I found a vegetarian restaurant. It will be about $30 a person and should keep the vegetarians and vegans happy as well as the meat eaters as they do all sorts of things with mock meat. It’s also central enough for everyone. Also they don’t mind us bringing a cake” I told him.
“Okay okay…” he said while tapping away at the phone. A few moments later there was a text back from his brother. I picked up the phone and I saw the email exchange
Mr NQN: “Hey mate you ok to go to vegetarian restaurant for bday?”
The Assman: “OK thanks”
I had to laugh at his brevity and Mr NQN in turn held out his hands “Whaaat? That’s what I wanted him to say right?”. I told him that as a party planner his business might not meet with success but he took slight umbrage at that.
“No, in fact I’ve become rather good at getting the answers that I want…” although he added for good measure “I haven’t quite figured you out yet.”
This one is for you my darling Mr NQN. I hope you never figure me out. And I mean that in a good way.
The recipe was sent to me by a reader Alexandra who forwarded me the recipe after I asked her for it. She had won a bake off with the recipe and I knew that Mr NQN would adore it as an avowed ginger lover! It’s a sticky ginger cake, the stickiness given by the use of stem ginger in syrup as well as the ginger syrup as well poured all over it. There’s some polenta used in it to give it a slight crunch and the cake is most wonderful served with a cup of your favourite tea. With your favourite person too, of course.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you the person that organises birthdays and gatherings? And do you prefer it that way?
Gluten Free Sticky Ginger Cake
Adapted from Allrecipes
- 250g/9ozs. butter
- 125g/4ozs. caster sugar
- 125g4 ozs. black molasses (or golden syrup or corn syrup)
- 6 large eggs beaten
- 250g/9 ozs. ground almonds
- 175g/6 ozs. polenta
- 1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 300g/10 ozs. of stem ginger in syrup
Prep:30 mins | Cook:45 mins
Buyer’s tip: you can buy stem ginger in syrup at David Jones
1. Line a 20cm/8 inch springform tin with parchment paper. In a sieve, strain the syrup from stem ginger (the syrup is quite thick so give it time to sieve) and put the syrup to the side for later. Finely chop all stem ginger except for four stem ginger pieces which you will top the cake with.
2. Cream butter, sugar and molasses or syrups until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in eggs one at a time-it will look like it won’t come together but it will in the end.
3. Fold in almonds, polenta, baking powder, ground ginger and chopped stem ginger. Mix thoroughly. Spoon mixture into the prepared 10 inch baking tin and bake for about 60-70 minutes minutes at 180 degrees C (350 F or gas mark 4) until a skewer inserted comes out clean .
4. When cake is cooked, set aside to cool for around 10 minutes and then remove cake from tin. Slice off the top if it is uneven and carefully plate on top of a serving plate bottom side up so that you get a completely flat surface. Spoon the syrup over the top of the cake while it is still warm and them place ginger pieces in the centre.
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68 Comments | Add your own
Sticky ginger cake, well that is definitely divine! I’m drooling.
Cheers,
Rosa
This cake sounds really delicious. Ginger and lots of molasses – perfect for a cold winter day.
Looks and sounds superb. I love ginger too! Thanks for the recipe..
The cake looks absolutely delicious and moist- I’ll have to pass the recipe on to a GI friend
(or make it for her myself!)
I love organising parties/birthdays/dinners ….to the point where I like doing everything and don’t like people helping out!! That often means I’ll attach myself to the kitchen for hours/days preparing – but that’s all part of the fun
Hi Lorraine…this looks lovely…and I haven’t had breakfast yet!!!
Oooh, this is right up my alley. Black molasses? I die!
what a delightful cake! I would never have thought to use polenta!
Yum! Lucky man indeed. I was just eyeing off my ginger, thinking I should do something with it.
that looks amazing..i wish i could have a big slice with the cup of tea i’m drinking as i write this..jane
Yum! Do you think I could use golden syrup instead of molasses?
I’m an avid organiser. If there’s a birthday coming up in the next 6 months I’ve already got it planned!
Sticky ginger cake sounds delicious right about now, with a nice cup of coffee!
The cake looks divine. I love organising birthdays, parties and outings!
Could you send me a slice of leftover cake? Yum!
Am I the birthday planner? Absolutely! Having a child has made it even more fun, especially when it comes to designing the cake
I’ve not paid much attention to gluten free cooking in the past, as it isn’t an issue in our house, but this is the second very tempting looking gluten free cake I’ve seen this week. There just might be something in this for me!
That cake looks divine, it’s a shame ginger doesn’t like me
I am definately the organiser as well as chief cook & bottle washer. But to be honest I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Gluten free and ginger- what’s not to love? I hope my hubby never figures me out either, even though we’re ‘not speaking’ right now, he’s driving me all the way to Sydney for afternoon tea!
Ooh, looks amazing! Will have to bake this for my GF MIL. I am always the one organising parties and choosing restaurants – I love it and so do my friends and relatives
Yes I am the organiser. I have been known to organise my own b’day meals.
I do have a big one coming up next year which I think I will let pass by if possible.
As they say your are only as old as you feel.
Ps. Thanks so much for getting hold of me Lorraine! I didn’t have any messages from Ally at all, so I guess there were just some crossed wires. Will be driving there this morning though and am sure I’ll have a great time- thanks so much. Rebecca
Oh Lorraine! I LOVE ginger and this cake is going to make it into my oven one of these days! On a different note… seeing all “local” (and Italian) ingredients in your picture put a smile on my face!
I love organising parties… maybe I am a bit of a control freak!!! hehehehe
Love the reindeer
Nice cake, now I feel like baking( not that I need too much of a push in that direction).
Yes, I’m afraid I’m always the one to have to organise any function in my household, my hubby is hopeless and deems it as female territory, haha In fact, I have a double celebration coming up in two weeks, Gabriella’s welcome home party and my husband’s birthday party. The number of guests has expanded to 39 and I find myself lying in bed not being able to sleep , mentally working out the menu Lol. Apart from all the work,I do enjoy it though, I get a real buzz from seeing everyone enjoying the food, catching up and having a great time.
I love all things ginger–especially cake. And this one looks perfect!
ohhhhhhhh, the scent of Ginger floating in air. Heavenly. Christmasy. Childhoody. Btw, lets hope Mr. MQN never figures you out, dear!
…& did you say Assman? Ha ha.
PS> yes, I do the events around the fam. & I hear I am quite bossy. xx
I can almost feel the ginger tingling in my nose! Yum — I’ll have to bookmark this one for the holidays.
Always always me as the organiser and yes I love it although I pretend I don’t! However my hubby took on the almighty task of organising my semi surprise 40th birthday party and did a tremendous job made so much harder by the fact that I have very high expectations and standards!
Lorraine: that is almost a ‘healthy’ cake
! Looks moreish too – perhaps I should try? 
! Yes, I am afraid I am an avid organizer, and I too oft like to do things myself. If I have time to preplan, ’tis fine: I have more day and hour lists than anyone I know. Where I can get a wee jumpy is when a crowd seems to descend prac unannounced – still have to learn friends really don’t expect miracles!!
Lol! I love organising things. It pretty much means we go where I want lol
and get to do a great blog too. My dad would love this cake! He is a ginger fanatic!
Thanks Lorraine, my brother-in-law jus came from Spain and he is intolerant to gluten, so this come just in the right moment.
Oh I’m so the planner, although Mr HG hates surprises. So, the planning needs to start months and months prior so he doesn’t get freaked out.
I LOVE this cake, it sounds amazing. I’ve gotta try it. Mmmmmmm!
I adore ginger, so glad you got the recipe from Alexandra. It looks delicious
nom nom nom!! I just woke up and saw this, now i’m hungry… Cake time
Mmm I love spicy ginger cake — this looks so good!
I love any sort of ginger cake and this looks delicious – though a little grown up and sombre – I am sure Mr NQN was secretly dreaming of a handbag cake
It looks delish even though it’s gluten free! Ginger is my fave!
Is it bad that I love absolutely every part of this *except* the stem ginger? The molasses, ground ginger, everything else is wonderful..>
What a fantastic cake! I bet it was enjoyed by all. I used to hate ginger but love it so much, and I’m always on the look out for good gluten free cake recipes (Paul’s mum has coeliac disease).
I may not always be the party planner, but I have an intense need to know where we’re going so I can study the menu
I love ginger so much I could eat it raw!! Probably burn a hole in my head but I’m ok with that.
I am happy to plan birthday parties, but hate receiving them. (Would much rather go away for a night or several than the cost of a party). I especially hate surprise parties! I need to know whether to wear make-up, shoes, a cool outfit and to do my hair!
You take such nice photos! Can you suggest a good program for me to use for the watermark. Cause I think that is the next step for me.
AND I LOVE this cake :0
Consider this one bookmarked for future baking
This does sound like a good cake for tea. I’m the organizer, the cake baker, the party planner, the one that brings everyone together. And, Lorraine, I think I like it that way:)
This looks so good! Perfect for my friend Craig – now all I need is stem ginger. I do tend to organise birthday gatherings, but I would love it if someone else did.
I only organize menus, dinners, and gatherings for my family members.
In fact, I’m so good at it, I just call the shots
Lorraine -I was so excited to wake up this morning and find my bake off recipe on your blog! Looks as though you did an absolutely sterling job too.
And NB to all those who baulk or hesitate at the words ‘gluten free’ – some of the most unctuous cakes are flourless – never fear! xx
Nice idea Loraine…always the pleaser! hahaha…the cake looks fantastic.
That cake looks delicious! Yes I organize a lot of things and I’m happy to as long as it’s appreciated!
Birthdays…I freak out, snap at everyone,cringe when the table is not set properly, just about tear my hair out when the house is dirty and messy and noone has lifted a finger to help yet again. Hubby is in the garden making it look pretty, even though noone ever goes out to see it especially in winter..
This is birthdays at my place when it comes to family. I love my family..so it goes with out saying the stress and my perfectionism will continue.. I love your ginger cake, I will most likely eat the whole thing as noone else here eats ginger lol.
How cute are the 2 of you!
Beautiful, beautiful cake! Yep, I’m an organiser and have had episodes of directing the calendars and appointments of more than 20 people in order to organise a get together!
I dont like organizing birthdays and stuff. I find it stressful. I am a perfectionist and sometimes that can turn something that is supposed to be fun into a colossal effort.
Love the cake and its beautiful warm flavours. I could imagine how yummy and comforting it would be on a rainy day.
*kisses* HH
I’ll have to give this a try, I love ginger and I love an excuse to go to David Jones
I see scrabble in the background,
cake and games= b’day celebrations!!!
Looks lovely and moist and I especially like the inclusion of black molasses with the stem ginger..a MUST Try!!
On the party planning front,I cook what others have planned..
How important is to have gluten free sweet-glorious options for celiacs.
Wonderful cake not matter if it has gluten or not
Cheers,
Gera
this is simple gorgeous!! thank you for sharing this:)*swoon*
Scrumptious looking cake, how great that it is gluten free.
Oh this looks lovely – unfortunately I have a slight ginger aversion (I only ever eat it with Hainanese chicken rice, or with tang yuan hehe). Wonder if I could substitute the ginger with apples… love the inclusion of polenta in it.
Yum, I love gingerbread so i’m sure this cake would be a winner. I am definitely the organiser in my family. I love running around (ok so online but still) researching and planning every minor detail
I’ll have to make this for my dad
great cake, lorraine, for gluten-freers and gluten-lovers alike! i’m loath to plan events, but it always seems to fall on me to do!
Can anyone give me a price check on the DJ’s stem of ginger? I don’t want to go all the way to DJs (I live in the wilderness) to find it’s crazily expensive.
I made this cake last night & it was absolutely delicious (served with double cream). The one thing that I changed was to drizzle a bit of golden syrup over the top of the cake as well as the stem-ginger syrup because the cake was a little dry.
I will definitely be making it again!
Hi Zoe-I’m so glad that you like it and great idea about using extra golden syrup on top
looks like a deliciously moist cake
i used to organise birthdays and parties but then i found it too hard to get everyone together at the same time.. so now i let other people do the organising hehe
Looks like our hubbies have a birthday around the same time. This recipe is a keeper, perhaps for F’s birthday next summer.
Just about to try this cake out, looks so good!! However i noticed you out at the beginning to line a 8inch tin, but towards the end you have changed it to a 10inch tin…..
Hi Amelia! Oh dear, how remiss of me! I just measured the tin that I baked it in and it’s a 21cm or 8.4 inch pan
Would love to use more of your recipes, but it took 15 pages to print!! Not very ecological.
Jacqueline, there is a “Print Page” option at the bottom of each recipe. You can just print the text or you can print it with images!!
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