Amazing Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Amazing Spiced Gingerbread Loaf is the perfect holiday treat, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Rich molasses and fragrant spices combine to create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s delicious on its own or drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Step 5: Stir in the molasses, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.
11. Step 11: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra festive touch, add chopped candied ginger or nuts to the batter before baking.
• Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best loaf texture.
• Use unsulfured molasses for a balanced, rich flavor.
• Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.

Storage

Store the gingerbread loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of molasses?

Yes, but unsulfured molasses is recommended for a milder, balanced flavor. Sulfured molasses can be more bitter and affect the taste.

How can I make this loaf vegan?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the large egg. Use your preferred plant milk to replace the milk as well.

Amazing Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

This Amazing Spiced Gingerbread Loaf is a perfect holiday treat, filled with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and sweetened with rich molasses. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, this moist and flavorful loaf captures the essence of festive baking and is sure to delight family and friends during the holiday season.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10-20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute all the spices and leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar together using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb.
4. Add Egg: Beat in the large egg until it is fully incorporated, which helps bind the batter.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the molasses, milk, and vanilla extract until all wet ingredients are just combined, adding moisture and flavor depth to the loaf.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
7. Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully baked.
8. Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents the glaze from melting when applied.
9. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: While the loaf cools, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk one teaspoon at a time if a thinner consistency is desired for drizzling.
10. Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top to add a sweet finishing touch that complements the spices.

Notes

• For an extra festive touch, add chopped candied ginger or nuts to the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture in the loaf.
• Use unsulfured molasses for a balanced flavor, as molasses strength can vary and affect the taste.
• Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off and running down the sides.
• Use a 9×5 inch loaf pan for perfect loaf shape and baking time.

Keywords: gingerbread loaf, holiday baking, spiced cake, molasses cake, vanilla glaze, festive dessert