This riff on Nigella Lawson's famous gingerbread is by Rachel Dunston (Rachel Makes It) . It's a delicious treat during the holidays with its warm spices and tender crumb. Bonus: it has less refined sugar, is lower in fat, and egg free thanks to the addition of Prune Puree.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 8x8" (20x20 cm) baking tin with parchment paper on the bottom and sides. Spray corners with flour based baking spray.
Measure the prune puree (or vegetable oil) into a heavy saucepan. Add the corn syrup and molasses.
Add sugar to the pan, and chopped prunes.
Peel ginger then grate it finely into the saucepan. Add in the spices and salt and keep warm over low heat, whisking until combined.
Once everything is combined, remove the pan from heat. The mixture should be just warmed. Add the milk, whisking gently.
Whisk in the flour, avoiding lumps as you go. Sometimes an immersion blender is helpful.
Dissolve the baking soda in the warm water in a large cup, the vinegar will cause a fizzy so extra space in the cup is important. Whisk the fizzy mixture into your pan. Fun, right?
Pour the batter into your lined tin and bake for 50–55 minutes. This is a very moist and sticky cake, so the best way to check for doneness is by pressing the middle down with your fingers and looking for it to spring back. The usual toothpick test isn't helpful for this cake.
Let cool on a rack. This cake is best served cool, the next day.