Amazing Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg until it is fully incorporated, which helps bind the batter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
