Even without a mound of frosting, molasses cake is a star for its simplicity and classic flavors.

We can nearly guarantee youll be back for seconds.

And did we mention it comes together in a flash?

Southern Living Molly Bolton Molasses Cake sliced and ready to serve

Credit:Molly Bolton

So peruse your spice cabinet, grab that jar of molasses, and strap on your apron!

‘Tis the season for holiday baking, and ‘tis the season for molasses cake.

Scrape down sides and bottom of the bowl.

Southern Living Molly Bolton Molasses Cake ingredients

Credit:Molly Bolton

Heat in the microwave on HIGH until very hot and steaming, about 2 minutes.

The batter will be very thin.

Bake and cool:

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Southern Living Molasses Cake preparing the pan

Credit:Molly Bolton

Place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Finish and serve:

Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar.

Slice into squares and serve.

Southern LIving Molasses Cake mixing the dry ingredients

Credit:Molly Bolton

Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Southern Living Molasses Cake creaming the butter and sugar

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Molasses Cake adding the egg and molasses to the butter sugar mixture

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Molasses Cake mixing the batter

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Molasses Cake pouring the batter into the pan

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Molasses Cake baked in the pan

Credit:Molly Bolton

Southern Living Molasses Cake sliced and dusted with powdered sugar

Credit:Molly Bolton