Gingerbread Loaf is a moist, spiced treat with rich flavors of ginger and molasses, perfect for cozy winter days and holiday gatherings!

This Classic Gingerbread Loaf is a warm and spiced holiday treat that’s easy to bake and full of comforting flavors. With its moist texture and perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, it makes the ideal addition to any winter holiday. The rich, molasses-infused batter bakes into a beautiful loaf, filling your home with a cozy aroma. Topped with powdered sugar, this gingerbread loaf brings festive charm to any dessert table. Slice it up for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with coffee on chilly days. This loaf is perfect for gifting to friends and family or for enjoying at home by the fireplace. Its tender crumb and balanced spices make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
What is Gingerbread?
Gingerbread is a term for a wide range of baked goods that use molasses, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. It can range from soft, cake, crispy, and crunchy.
What is the difference between gingerbread and ginger cake?
Gingerbread can mean either cookies or cake. Ginger cake doesn’t normally use molasses. Its main spice is ground ginger.

Key Ingredients:
Molasses: You need molasses for gingerbread, and we like to use robust, strong-flavored dark molasses. But you can use light and fancy molasses if desired.
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg make up the traditional gingerbread flavor.
Unsalted Butter: add moisture to the gingerbread loaf.
Variations for Gingerbread Loaf:
One of the joys of baking is making a recipe your own, and this Gingerbread Loaf is no exception.
Mix in a handful of dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for a little extra sweetness and texture. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can also add a delightful crunch.
If you’re a fan of chocolate, try folding in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Orange and gingerbread go well together, add 2 teaspoons of orange zest.
For an extra festive touch, consider adding a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting on top.

How to Store Gingerbread Loaf?
When stored in a sealed container (or covered in plastic wrap), this bread should remain good for up to six days and like most homemade breads, the flavor of this loaf will intensify after two days.
Can you Freeze Gingerbread Loaf?
Yes, you totally can! When properly stored, this gingerbread loaf will keep it is best quality for about two or three months. After that point, the texture of the bread might change, but it will remain good for up to six months frozen.
Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. Easy to make and beautifully spiced, this gingerbread loaf will quickly become a holiday favorite! Enjoy!

Gingerbread Loaf

Recipe by lidiacookbook.comCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

Gingerbread Loaf is a moist, spiced treat with rich flavors of ginger and molasses, perfect for cozy winter days and holiday gatherings

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup molasses

• ½ cup hot water

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

• For topping:

• Powdered sugar, optional

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper, set aside.
• In a large bowl, add butter and sugar and with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed, mix until fully combined.
• Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until creamed and fluffy, about a minute. Scrape down the sides of your bowl.
• In a separate small bowl, add molasses and hot water, stir until combined.
• In a third bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
• To your butter mixture, add half of your dry ingredients, stirring until mostly incorporated
• Add half of your molasses mixture, stirring until incorporated. Repeat once more, adding your remaining dry ingredients and molasses mixture.
• Stir until just combined
• Pour batter into loaf pan.
• Cover loaf pan loosely with foil (remove foil halfway through baking. This ensures that the top of your bread doesn’t burn). Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
• Transfer loaf pan to a cooling rack and allow cool completely before removing from pan and slicing.
• Dust with confectioner’s sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired