There’s nothing quite like the smell of a ginger cake baking in the oven — warm, spicy and full of good memories. This recipe was passed on by a neighbour (thanks, Deirdre’s Mum!) and has become one of our go-to bakes. It’s moist, richly gingery, and always a hit whenever we make it.
The modern twist? A tangy lemon icing drizzled over the top, suggested by my youngest daughter one baking day — and it turned out to be the perfect finishing touch. Sweet, sharp and just a little bit indulgent, it takes this traditional Irish ginger cake to the next level.
Here’s the full recipe so you can make it at home.
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Irish Ginger Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups plain flour
- 3 teaspoons ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 1 cup golden syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking/bread soda dissolved in ¼ cup warm water
- 1 lemon
- Approx. 200–225g icing sugar
Method:
1. Put all the ingredients into a big mixing bowl in the order given.
2. Beat for 2–3 minutes on medium speed.
3. Line 2 loaf tins or 1 cake tin and fill with mixture up to ¾ full.
4. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 50–60 minutes. Leave to cool on a cooling rack.
5. Sieve the icing sugar, then squeeze in half the lemon’s juice and mix. Squeeze in the remaining juice from the second half.
6. If you need a little more liquid, add a few drops of water until you get a thick but pourable consistency.
7. Drizzle the icing over the top of the cooled cake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ginger cake ahead of time?
Yes — it keeps well for a few days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s actually a cake that tastes even better a day after baking, once the flavours have settled.
Can I freeze it?
The plain cake freezes well without the icing. Wrap it tightly once fully cooled, then add the lemon icing after defrosting for the best finish.
What can I use instead of lemon icing?
If you’d prefer a simpler finish, a light dusting of icing sugar works well, or you can leave the cake plain — it’s still deliciously moist and spiced on its own.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, to help it stay moist for longer.
Related Recipes
- Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Delicious Lemon and Almond Cake
- More family-friendly baking recipes on MyKidsTime
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