Warm and Cozy: Gingerbread Loaf
Embrace the comforting flavors of the holiday season any time of year with this delectable Gingerbread Loaf. Infused with the rich spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, this loaf is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, creating a cozy, inviting aroma as it bakes. Whether you’re curling up with a hot cup of tea on a chilly day or looking for the perfect holiday treat to share, this gingerbread loaf is sure to delight. Let’s bake up this simple yet satisfying treat that will warm your heart and home.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (106 g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (170 g) molasses
- 1/2 cup (113 g) hot water
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease and flour the bottom and sides.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until fully combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 1 minute. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Molasses and Water:
- In a small bowl, stir together the molasses and hot water until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Then, mix in half of the molasses mixture. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and molasses, stirring just until the batter is combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Bake the Loaf:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Tent the pan loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning, removing the foil halfway through baking.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack before removing and slicing. Serve as is, or enhance with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 65-75 minutes
- Calories: 250 kcal per slice
- Servings: 10-12 slices
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Loaf
- Rich Flavor: Packed with warm spices and deep molasses, each slice offers a taste of holiday cheer.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert—this loaf adapts to any occasion.
- Aromatic Delight: Filling your kitchen with its spiced scent, this gingerbread loaf is as much a treat for the nose as it is for the palate.
This Gingerbread Loaf is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to bring a bit of joy and warmth into your kitchen. Enjoy baking this delightful loaf and savor each spicy, sweet slice as a special treat that feels like a hug in food form.
Gingerbread Loaf
- Total Time: 65-75 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 1x
Description
Gingerbread Loaf is the ultimate cozy treat for the holiday season, packed with the warm, inviting flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This spiced loaf is soft, moist, and perfectly sweet, making it a delicious addition to any fall or winter gathering. The deep, rich flavor of molasses complements the spices, creating a loaf that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (106 g) brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (170 g) molasses
1/2 cup (113 g) hot water
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease and flour the bottom and sides, then set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the room temperature butter and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed, mix until fully combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture is creamed and fluffy, about 1 minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
In a separate small bowl, stir together the molasses and hot water until well combined.
In a third bowl, whisk or sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until mostly incorporated. Then, add half of the molasses mixture, stirring until combined. Repeat this process, adding the remaining dry ingredients and molasses mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a tough and dense loaf.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Loosely tent the pan with foil, removing the foil halfway through baking to prevent the top of the loaf from burning.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs (but not wet batter).
Transfer the loaf pan to a cooling rack and allow the loaf to cool completely before removing it from the pan and slicing.
Optional: Dust with confectioner’s sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250