Festive Gingerbread Loaf Recipe Everyone Loves

Gingerbread loaf brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen, filling the air with its rich, spicy aroma.

Memories of cozy winter afternoons dance through this classic comfort treat.

Fragrant spices swirl together, creating a symphony of flavors that comfort and delight.

Soft, moist textures promise a delectable experience that transcends ordinary baked goods.

Generations have cherished this beloved recipe, passed down through family kitchens with love and care.

The combination of sweet and spicy notes creates a remarkable sensory journey for anyone who loves indulgent desserts.

Baking this loaf changes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

Tips for Spiced, Moist Gingerbread Loaf Slices

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements to ensure the perfect balance of spices and moisture in your gingerbread loaf.
• Cream Butter Thoroughly: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base that guarantees a tender, moist texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stir batter gently when adding dry and wet ingredients to prevent a tough, dense loaf that lacks the desired soft crumb.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick near the center- it should come out with just a few crumbs, indicating a perfectly baked loaf.
• Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool entirely in the pan before slicing to maintain its structure and prevent crumbling.

Keeping Gingerbread Loaf Fresh All Week

• Refrigerate: Store leftover gingerbread loaf in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal carefully to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore room temperature texture by letting frozen slices thaw naturally on the counter for 30-45 minutes before serving.

Delicious Pairings That Compliment a Gingerbread Loaf Slice

• Indulge with Warm Spiced Tea: Pair the gingerbread loaf with a steaming cup of chai or cinnamon-infused black tea, letting the spicy notes complement the rich, warm flavors of the gingerbread.
• Creamy Vanilla Companion: Top a slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream, creating a luxurious contrast between the dense, spicy bread and the smooth, cool topping.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Enhance the gingerbread's depth by drizzling warm salted caramel sauce over each slice, adding a buttery sweetness that intensifies the molasses and spice profile.
• Fortified Wine Finale: Serve alongside a glass of ruby port or sweet sherry, whose rich, complex notes beautifully echo the gingerbread's warm winter spices and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Gingerbread Loaf Variations to Make Each Bake Special

• Spiced Pumpkin Ginger Bread: Transform the classic recipe by replacing half the butter with pumpkin puree and adding extra pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal autumn flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Ginger Loaf: Fold in a cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter before baking, creating a rich and indulgent version of the traditional gingerbread that adds unexpected sweetness.
• Nutty Ginger Crunch Loaf: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture and deeper nutty undertones.
• Citrus Zest Gingerbread: Mix in fresh orange or lemon zest to brighten the warm spices, giving the loaf a subtle tangy note that complements the deep molasses flavor.

Gingerbread Loaf That Smells Like Cozy Holidays

• Spice up Your Baking: Dive into a world of warm, comforting flavors that dance across your taste buds with this gingerbread loaf, packed with rich ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that create an irresistible aroma.
• Foolproof Comfort Baking: Perfect for baking novices and seasoned pros alike, this recipe offers simple steps and easy mixing techniques that guarantee a moist, tender loaf without complicated methods or specialized skills.
• Holiday Magic in Every Slice: Capture the essence of cozy winter moments with a dessert that feels like a warm hug, ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or a delightful breakfast treat that brings nostalgic memories flooding back.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Enjoy this loaf as a standalone treat, dress it up with confectioner's sugar, or pair it with whipped cream for an elegant touch that transforms a simple bake into a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion.

Pantry Staples Behind Every Great Gingerbread Loaf

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Soft, room temperature butter provides rich, creamy base for the loaf.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the gingerbread.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create structure for the loaf.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Molasses: Signature gingerbread flavor with deep, dark sweetness.
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve molasses and create smooth mixture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the loaf.
• Baking Soda: Helps loaf rise and creates light, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.

• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Classic warm spices that create traditional gingerbread flavor profile, choose fresh, fragrant spices for best results.

• Confectioner's Sugar: Light dusting for decorative finish.
• Whipped Cream: Adds creamy, smooth complement to spiced loaf.

Mixing, Pouring, and Baking the Perfect Gingerbread Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease and flour the pan thoroughly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend room temperature butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fluffy.

Step 3: Mix Molasses Liquid

In a small bowl, stir molasses and hot water until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Step 5: Create Batter

Gradually add dry ingredients and molasses mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate between dry ingredients and molasses, stirring gently. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely with foil.

Step 7: Bake Gingerbread Loaf

Bake for 50-60 minutes. Remove foil halfway through baking. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack. Remove from pan and slice.

Optional Finishing Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Nostalgic gingerbread loaf brings warmth from grandma’s kitchen with rich molasses and warming spices. Comfortable slices invite holiday memories and comfort with each delightful, aromatic bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (170 g) molasses
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup (106 g) brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (113 g) hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F. Prepare a loaf pan by lining with parchment paper or coating with butter and flour.
2. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture becomes light and airy.
3. Whisk molasses with hot water in a separate container until thoroughly blended.
4. Sift together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in another bowl.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with molasses liquid. Gently combine until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
6. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution.
7. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil. Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes.
8. Remove foil halfway through cooking to allow the top to develop a golden color without burning.
9. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it emerges clean or with minimal crumbs, the loaf is ready.
10. Remove from oven and let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
11. For an elegant finish, dust with powdered sugar or serve alongside whipped cream.

Notes

• Warm, spicy gingerbread loaf delivers cozy holiday comfort with rich molasses and warming spices baked into every slice.
• Precise mixing technique ensures a tender, moist texture by avoiding overmixing and carefully incorporating ingredients.
• Foil tenting prevents burning while allowing even baking, creating a perfectly golden-brown exterior.
• Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, helping create a light, fluffy batter that rises beautifully.
• Cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
• Optional toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream elevate this classic treat into an elegant dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 261
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg