Homemade Sailor Jack Treats
These Homemade Sailor Jacks are a wonderfully nostalgic, spice-forward treat that falls somewhere between a muffin and a hearty spice cake. Built on a deep molasses base and layered with warming spices—including a gentle hint of white pepper—they’re cozy, fragrant, and full of old-fashioned charm.
Homemade Sailor Jacks
Ingredients
For the Cakes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1½ tsp |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Cocoa powder | ⅓ cup |
| Cinnamon | 1½ tbsp |
| Cloves | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Allspice | 2 tsp |
| Ginger | 1 tsp |
| White pepper | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | 1¼ cups |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Buttermilk | ⅔ cup |
| Molasses | ½ cup |
| Hot water | 1 cup |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
For the Icing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Water | ⅔ tbsp |
How to Make Homemade Sailor Jacks
Step 1: Prepare & Sift
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two muffin tins.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and white pepper).
Step 2: Cream the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the molasses and buttermilk until fully blended.
Step 3: Bring Everything Together
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the hot water and raisins. The batter will be thinner than typical muffin batter—this is exactly how Sailor Jacks should be.
Step 4: Bake
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each just over halfway.
- Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Glaze & Serve
- While the cakes bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins or dip the tops for a thicker coating.
✨ These Sailor Jacks are best enjoyed warm, when the spices are most aromatic and the molasses flavor is rich and comforting—perfect for a cozy snack or nostalgic treat.
