The Union’s commanding general became the eighteenth president.
Family or White House tradition
Lucy Latimer’s hot gingerbread is associated with the Grants’ decision to employ her. This molasses cake follows that household baking tradition and is especially good served slightly warm.
The president & the table
Lucy Latimer’s hot gingerbread made an impression on Ulysses and Julia Grant. National Park Service research connects their decision to employ her with tasting that cake; she became part of the household’s cooking story and later its White House years.
Behind this story
National Park Service research on Lucy Latimer and General Grant’s Ginger Cake; Grant culinary histories.
APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.
Make it at home.
Our home adaptation · Serves 9 · Not yet kitchen-tested
What you’ll need
Let’s make it
Heat the oven to 175°C / 350°F. Line a 20 cm / 8 in square tin.
Combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Whisk butter, sugar and molasses in another bowl, then whisk in the egg.
Fold in the flour mixture. Add the hot water gradually, stirring until smooth.
Pour into the tin. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
About this home version
Butter replaces dripping, and the quantities suit a small home baking tin.
Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.
