Grasmere Gingerbread Recipe: Baking Heritage

Grasmere Gingerbread is a classic English dessert which originated from the small beautiful village of Grasmere in the Lake District of Cumbria.

The original Grasmere Gingerbread recipe was invented by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson in 1854. There is currently a small shop, which sells the original Grasmere Gingerbread, called Church Cottage in Cumbria. This shop is owned by the Nelson family and they have kept their original recipe a secret for decades.

Recipe For Grasmere Gingerbread – Everything You Need To Know:

Grasmere Gingerbread is a mix between sweet and spicy, while having the warm ginger flavor. The base of the gingerbread is soft and melty, while crumble-like on the top. The main ingredients of the recipe are: flour, sugar, ginger and butter.

If you are craving an English classic dessert, this Grasmere Gingerbread recipe is just for you!

Grasmere Gingerbread Ingredients

• 225 g Plain Flour: For this Grasmere Gingerbread recipe, you can use either plain flour or all purpose flour. This is because there is no need for baking powder.
• 110 g Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar or caster sugar is more preferred for this recipe because it has a more caramel flavor and a nice chewy texture.
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda: In this Grasmere Gingerbread recipe, baking soda will help the mixture remain soft when it is baked.
• 1 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger: The amount of ginger in this recipe depends entirely on you. In this Grasmere Gingerbread recipe, only a subtle amount of ginger was used.
• 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg is used to balance and enhance the taste of ginger since both of the spices pair up together.
• 125 g Brown Butter: Use brown butter as it gives this recipe for Grasmere Gingerbread a nutty flavor as well as fat content.
• 2 tsp Milk: A splash of milk is also added to the mixture along with the rest of the ingredients.

How To Make Grasmere Gingerbread?

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Line up the baking tin with parchment paper or grease it with butter.
3. Taking a mixing bowl and add flour, light brown sugar, ginger, nutmeg and baking soda. Mix them all until they are well combined.
4. Add the butter and the milk to the mixing bowl. Use the back of your fingertips to rub in the mixture until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
5. Take 4 tablespoons of the prepared mixture and put it aside.
6. Pour the rest of the mixture into the baking tin. Level the mixture by lightly pressing it down using the back of a spatula.
7. After that, take the 4 tablespoons of separated mixture and sprinkle it on top of the mixture in the baking tin.
8. Take a sharp knife and mark the cut lines in the mixture to make it easy to slice the Grasmere Gingerbread.
9. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the gingerbread is golden brown and has a crumbly crust.
10. Take the Grasmere Gingerbread out of the oven and cut through the markings before allowing it to cool down. If you slice after allowing it to cool down, it will crumble down and get messy.
11. Allow it to cool down before removing from the tin and serving.

Also Try: Cherry Scone Recipe – Tart And Tender

Tips To Make The Best Grasmere Gingerbread

Follow these tips and tricks for the best possible results in this Grasmere Gingerbread recipe:

• Make sure to grease the baking tray or line it up with parchment paper. This will make it easier to get the Grasmere Gingerbread out of the baking tray.
• Use a pastry cutter or the back of your fingertips to rub in the mixture to create a sort of fine breadcrumb-like mixture.
• Take a small portion of the mixture and use it to sprinkle it on top of the mixture in the baking tray. This will give it a better texture.
• Use markings on the gingerbread before it is baked in the oven. After that, cut through the markings in the gingerbread before it cools down. If you slice after allowing it to cool down, the Grasmere Gingerbread will crumble down.

Grasmere Gingerbread Recipe FAQs

How long can you store Grasmere Gingerbread for?

Grasmere Gingerbread can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container. However, if stored longer than that, the gingerbread will harden and become stale.

Can you freeze Grasmere Gingerbread?

Yes, you can freeze Grasmere Gingerbread in a sealed freezer bag or an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Grasmere Gingerbread Recipe Card