Reindeer Bar- G is for Gingerbread Station

Gingerbread Station 

When I saw the sign that said "G is for Gingerbread Station," I knew where I was headed. I remembered some of their delicious specials from last year. 

And I had some young visitors with me who were quite interested in the cookie-making station, where they could make their own gingerbread men. 

I did have my eye on these irresistible treats below, but also wanted  to try their new holiday special, Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping 

Gingerbread Muffins

 https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2023/12/g-is-for-gingerbread.html

Gingerbread Cookie Bars 

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2021/12/gingerbread-cookie-bars.html

Gingerbread Trifle

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2021/11/gingerbread-trifle.html

Stout Gingerbread Cake

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2014/09/more-travels-with-blue-vase.html

Gingerbread Cake with Crumb Topping (New Recipe) 

Cook's Notes: For another serving suggestion, skip the whipped cream and add a dollop of lemon curd to the cake.  Recipe adapted from inspiredbcharm.com 
Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup molasses
• 2 ½ cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon 
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk or half and half

Topping:

• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon 
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup cold butter
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans 
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Pinch of salt 
• Whipped cream for serving

Directions: 

• Prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and ginger. Cut in the butter until it resembles coarse sand. Stir in the pecans, lemon zest, and salt. I used a food processor, but just lightly to pulse and mix. Refrigerate for 45 minutes. 
•  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray a 13×9 or a 12×9 baking pan, which works great too, with baking spray. Set aside.
• In a large bowl (or bowl of a stand mixer) cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and molasses. Beat to combine.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Add this to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix on low speed just until it is combined. Place batter in the prepared pan. 
• Recrumble the topping with a fork and cover the batter. Bake for 30 minutes. 
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.