Ginger Cake Squares

By á-47

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup pecan halves or pieces
• 1 large pear or apple, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tea. baking powder
• 1/2 tea. baking soda
• 1/2 tea. ground ginger
• 1/2 tea. cinnamon
• 1/4 tea. salt
• 1/4 tea. ground cloves
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Preparation

Step 1

Combine 1 Tbsp. butter and corn syrup in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted and syrup is hot, stirring frequently. Pour into 9" square baking dish. Sprinkle pecans and chopped pear or apple evenly over syrup.

Beat together 1/2 cup butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in molasses. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Combine flour, baking powder, soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt and cloves in a medium bowl; mix well. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk to molasses mixture, beating well.

Pour over pear/apple mixture in dish.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Transfer to cooling rack; let stand 10 minutes. Loosen edges and turn out onto a serving plate; cool at least 15 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.