One of the mums in my HypnoBirthing class generously baked a groaning cake for the class (it was a trial run for her, as she was deciding what to bake on her baby’s birthing
day). It was still warm when she brought it in and the smell of warm cinnamon, clove, almond and molasses wafted in the class. The cake tasted as delicious as it smelled as
we all eagerly ate a piece during the class break! Her choice had been made, she would be making this Groaning cake come birthing day! — EeVon Ling ND, HBCE
” The tradition of a groaning cake, or kimbly, at birth is an ancient one. Wives’ tales say that the scent of the groaning cake being baked in the birth house helps to ease
the mother’s pain. Some say if a mother breaks the eggs while she’s aching, her labour won’t last as long.” — Ami McKay, The Birth House
Groaning cake recipe
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups apple, peeled and grated
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 molasses
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp almond extract
Pre-heat oven to 350. Grease two loaf pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Then add apple, oil, orange juice, molasses, sugar and almond extract. Blend well.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well. Divide batter between prepared loaf pans.
Bake 35 – 40 minutes or until a toothpick tester comes out clean. Enjoy!
Optional: Add a cup of raisins, dates, dried fruit or nuts.
Enjoy!