Makes one 9-inch layer cake
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of one orange
1/2 cup buttermilk
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, or alternately coat with cooking spray; set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Whisk to mix well; set aside.
In the mixing bowl of your Cuisinart Stand Mixer, combine the sugar and butter and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs and beat until mixed well. Add the molasses, vanilla and orange zest; beat until well mixed. Add half flour mixture and mix on low speed until just incorporated. Pour in half the buttermilk and mix on low speed until just incorporated. Repeat same process with remaining flour and milk. Scrape down sides of bowl and mix on medium-high speed for 30 seconds more.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 28 to 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.Let cool two minutes in pan, then loosen springform ring. Cool completely and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar before serving.