Have all ingredients at room temperature, 68┬░ to 70┬░F. Preheat the oven to 350┬░F. Grease and flour one 9 x 9-inch pan or line the bottom with wax or parchment paper.
Sift together:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
In a large bowl, beat until creamy, about 30 seconds:
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
Gradually add and beat on high speed until lightened in color and texture, 2 to 3 minutes:
1 large egg
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
Gradually beat in:
1 cup light molasses
Add the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Stir in:
Scrape the batter into the pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Slide a thin knife around the cake to detach it from the pan. Invert the cake and peel off the paper liner, if using. Let cool right side up on the rack.