Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This guarantees that the oven reaches the correct temperature before you begin baking.

Grease your 9x13-inch cake pan lightly with butter or cooking spray, then dust it with flour. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan, allowing for easy removal once baked.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. The spices give the cake its warm, fragrant flavor. Set this mixture aside for now.

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter with brown sugar, molasses, and hot water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the butter has fully incorporated. This creates the wet base of the cake that provides moisture and richness.

Once the wet mixture has cooled slightly, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is not too hot, as high heat could cause the eggs to scramble. This step adds flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and airy texture, ensuring your cake stays soft and fluffy.

Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Place the cake pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking the cake a few minutes before the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.

While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat to prepare the butterscotch sauce. Once melted, add brown sugar and salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then whisk in the cream. Allow it to simmer for a minute, then remove it from the heat and stir in vanilla for extra flavor.

Once the cake is baked, slice and serve it warm. Drizzle the cake generously with the homemade butterscotch sauce. If you’d like, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.