Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the inside of the nordic ware gingerbread house duet pan with cooking spray (I used avocado oil spray). Use a brush to make sure all corners and ridges are coated with the oil. If oil pools at bottom of pan, gently dab it with paper towel to soak up.
In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients together: all purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ginger powder, ground nutmeg, ground cloves and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter with sugar using a hand mixer (or by hand with a fork or pastry cutter).
Add in the eggs and mix again.
Add the milk and molasses to the bowl and mix them in.
Add ⅓ of the dry flour bowl to the wet ingredients bowl and combine using the hand mixer.Add another ⅓ of flour and mix, then add the last ⅓ of flour and mix.
The batter should be smooth and the end. Don't overmix – just enough for it to be even.
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and scoop the batter into the greased gingerbread house pan. Gently tap three times on the counter to help remove potential air bubbles.
Place a baking sheet in the oven, then place the cake pan on top to hold it sturdy. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife to gently slice off the domed tops of each gingerbread house so that they are flat (do this gently as it can break the cake).
Gently flip them onto a rack to cool. The cakes should slide out easily (if not see troubleshooting tips).
Gently tap overtop of each gingerbread house to create a snowy effect. Add the cakes to a serving plate, slice and enjoy! Note: I like to serve with coffee or tea and a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe Notes:
Important Note: This recipe will work for a 5 cup gingerbread cake pan. You could also use it in a 9x9 inch pan.Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or on the counter, depending on the humidity of where you live. Store in an air-tight container or wrap in plastic wrap.