Gingerbread Cake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and place rack in center of oven.

Step 2: Butter and flour a 9-inch cake pan

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ginger and cloves.

Step 4: In bowl of your electric mixer cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 6: Add the lemon zest and molasses and beat to combine.

Step 7: Add the dry ingredients and milk, alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Step 8: Beat just until incorporated.

Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 10: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 11: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing cake from pan.

Step 12: Let cool completely and then frost if desired.

Step 13: If desired, garnish the top of the frosted cake with toasted walnuts.