AMERICAN FAVORITE GINGERBREAD CAKE

1 1/2 c. all purpose or 1 2/3 c. cake flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/3 c. soft butter
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. light molasses
1/2 c. buttermilk

Sift flour. Measure and resift 3 times with salt, soda, and spices. Cream butter until smooth. Add sugar and egg, cream until light and fluffy. Add molasses and beat vigorously for 2 minutes longer. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately in 3-4 portions beginning and ending with flour. Mix well after each addition. Turn batter into greased 11 x 7 x 1 1/2 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Turn out on rack to cool. May serve warm or cold, plain or with whipped cream, applesauce, or melted marshmallows.