This Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake Recipe is a light and fluffy traybake, which uses golden syrup and ground ginger. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in just 50 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Ginger Cake Recipe Ingredients
- 200g (7oz) self-raising flour
- 200g (7oz) sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 55g (2oz) margarine
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 240ml (9fl oz) hot water

How To Make Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake Recipe
- Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / 350°F). Grease and line an 11×7 inch (28x18cm) baking tin.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour, sugar, ground ginger, and bicarbonate of soda.
- Rub in margarine: Add margarine and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until the texture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the beaten egg, golden syrup, and hot water until a smooth batter forms.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and springy.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can substitute equal amounts of softened butter.
- How to make it extra sticky: Add an extra spoon of golden syrup or brush more on top after baking.
- Can I freeze ginger cake? Absolutely. Wrap slices well and freeze for up to 3 months.
- How do I know it’s done? The cake should be golden and springy to the touch; a skewer should come out clean.
- Can I add crystallized ginger? Yes, stir in finely chopped crystallized ginger for more texture and zing.
What To Serve With Ginger Cake
This soft and sweet ginger cake is perfect with:
- A hot cup of tea or coffee
- Vanilla or clotted cream ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Warm custard poured over top
- A dusting of powdered sugar before serving

How To Store Ginger Cake
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. No need to refrigerate.
Freeze: Slice and wrap well, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Ginger Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, use a larger baking pan and adjust baking time as needed.
Is it okay to use fresh ginger instead of ground?
Ground ginger is preferred for even spice, but fresh ginger can be added for extra kick.
Can I use a round cake tin instead of a traybake tin?
Yes, but make sure to adjust baking time and check for doneness.
Why is my cake sinking in the middle?
Overmixing or opening the oven too early can cause it to collapse.
How to make the top extra glossy?
Brush with a little warmed golden syrup after baking.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Old Fashioned Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Cheese And Onion Pie Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Liver And Bacon
Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: American12
servings10
minutes40
minutes150
kcalThis sweet and fluffy ginger traybake has a sticky top and warm spice—perfect with tea or as a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
200g (7oz) self-raising flour
200g (7oz) sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
55g (2oz) margarine
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp golden syrup
240ml (9fl oz) hot water
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / 350°F) and prepare your baking tin.
- Mix flour, sugar, ginger, and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl.
- Rub in margarine until crumbly.
- Add egg, golden syrup, and hot water. Mix into a smooth batter.
- Pour into tin and bake 35–40 minutes.
- Cool in tin and slice into squares.
