Amazing Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe (Holiday Smells) Recipe
This Amazing Spiced Gingerbread Loaf is a perfect holiday treat, bursting with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Moist and flavorful, it’s baked in a classic loaf pan and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch. Ideal for cozy gatherings or festive gift-giving, this gingerbread loaf delivers comforting seasonal aromas and a delightful balance of spice and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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 ensure the loaf does not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg until it is fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in unsulfured molasses, milk, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Mix until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before applying the glaze.
- Prepare Vanilla 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 achieve a drizzle-able consistency.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the gingerbread loaf is completely cool, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top to add a sweet and creamy finish.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, add chopped candied ginger or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture in the loaf.
- Use unsulfured molasses for a balanced, rich flavor; molasses strength can vary and affect taste.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
Keywords: gingerbread loaf, holiday bread, spiced gingerbread, vanilla glaze, festive dessert, molasses bread, Christmas recipe
