Pre-heat oven at 350ºF (180ºC).

In a large bowl mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Whisk well and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and the white sugar until creamy and light in color. Add the egg and beat for a few more minutes. Then, slowly add the molasses and beat until well combined.

Lower the speed and slowly add the dry ingredients. Once everything is well combined, slowly add the hot water and mix until it’s well incorporated. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Pour the batter into a prepared 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) baking pan and bake for 40 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out dry. Let it rest inside the baking pan for 5 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely on a cooling rack before serving.