This easy gingerbread recipe is baked in an 8-inch cast iron skillet. The cast iron creates a warm, rustic, vintage dessert that brings back warm memories and a nod to the upcoming fall season.
This easy to make gingerbread has been a family favorite for many years. I’d put this in a classic recipe category for sure!
You’ll never want a grocery store gingerbread after you make this recipe!
I love cooking in my cast iron skillets – I’ve actually written about it a few times:

Cast Iron Gingerbread Recipe
Why cook in cast iron?
Cooking this gingerbread in a cast iron skillet gives it a crispier outside while leaving the gingerbread warm and moist on the inside.
Invest in some good Lodge Cast Iron – you won’t regret it! This recipe is made with a 8 inch skillet.
6 More Traditional Gingerbread Recipes
Vintage Recipes
I love old fashioned, or vintage recipes. I’ve been cooking these type of recipes for more than a decade. I have collected and used so many recipes, and I share them here on the blog too.
- Vintage Cake Recipes
- Vintage Cookie Recipes
- Vintage Cooking Skills You Should Have
- 10 Reason to Cook from Scratch!
Is Gingerbread Only for Christmas?
I don’t think so! In fact gingerbread just smells like fall to me. Maybe its the cinnamon that makes me think of that season.
But gingerbread is definitely NOT just for Christmas or any holiday. Make this cast iron gingerbread recipe any ‘old time you want!
Can I Make Muffins with This Recipe?
Absolutely! I should make 6 large or 12 average sized muffins. You could use Lodge’s Mini Cake Pan if you wanted to stick with using cast iron for this recipe.
How Do I Serve Gingerbread?

You can serve this gingerbread recipe in a variety of ways. Top it with some homemade whipped cream (try making your own with N2O charged dispenser).
Or try it topped with your own vanilla ice cream. See 31 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes for ideas!
But my favorite way to eat gingerbread is warm, right out of the oven, topped with real butter and a big mug of hot coffee!
Gingerbread Recipe Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 2/3 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Gingerbread Recipe Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Gather your ingredients
- Prepare cast iron skillet by rubbing with butter and sprinkling with flour.
- In a medium bowl combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
- In separate bowl combine: softened butter, brown sugar , molasses and hot water.
- Mix until butter is almost melted.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
- Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until batter is free of lumps .
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and cut into 12 equal slices.
- Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries. Or try it topped with some homemade vanilla ice cream.
Below you’ll find a fully printable version of this cast iron gingerbread recipe with pictures to help you.

Easy Cast Iron Gingerbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 2/3 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Gather your ingredients.
-
Prepare cast iron skillet by rubbing with butter and sprinkling with flour.
-
In a medium bowl combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
-
In separate bowl combine: softened butter, brown sugar , molasses and hot water.
-
Mix until butter is almost melted.
-
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
-
Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until batter is free of lumps.
-
Pour batter into prepared skillet.
-
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
-
Let cool and cut into 12 equal slices.
-
Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries. Or try it topped with some homemade vanilla ice cream.
How do you plan to use this gingerbread recipe?