Description
This delicious gingerbread loaf is perfect for the holiday season, combining warm spices and a rich glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsulfured molasses
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more to thin, if needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. The scent alone will put you in the holiday spirit.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step creates the base of that irresistibly tender texture.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then mix in the molasses, buttermilk, and vanilla. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little curdled—once the dry ingredients go in, it all comes together beautifully.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set.
Notes
- This loaf is great for sharing during holiday gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to adjust spices to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice