Gingerbread Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Prepare an 8 or 9 inch square baking pan by spreading the bottom and sides with butter or shortening. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350.
2. 2
   Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until completely blended to a granular paste. Scrape down inside of bowl. Beat in egg and sour cream.
4. 4
   In a 2 cup Pyrex measure, combine molasses and very hot water, stirring until molasses in nearly dissoved.
5. 5
   With mixer on low speed, add about one quarter of the flour mixture to the batter. Alternately, add remaining flour and the molasses-water, beating slowly to blend after each addition.
6. 6
   Spoon batter into prepared pan, smooth top evenly then spread batter slightly toward pan edges.
7. 7
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean and the top of the cake is lightly springy to the touch. Cool on a wire rack.