Piernik, or Polish gingerbread, is a traditional treat often enjoyed during the festive season. This cake is richly spiced and has a deep, aromatic flavour from a blend of warm spices, honey and a hint of cocoa. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, and its flavour improves over time, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients:
Spice Mix:
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
Method of cooking:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease and flour a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt and the prepared spice mixture (ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves).
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, butter and water.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined.
Gradually add the cooled honey mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean.
Leave the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can dust the cake with icing sugar or drizzle with a simple icing.
