Irresistible Gingerbread Loaf Recipe for Cozy Days

Gingerbread loaf is like the cozy sweater of baked goods, warming you from the inside out with its spiced aroma and rich flavors. The moment you pull it from the oven, your kitchen transforms into a holiday wonderland, filled with the notes of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing in the air. It’s the kind of treat that makes even Scrooge crack a smile and reminisce about simpler times, maybe while swaying to a jingle or two.

Picture this: it’s a chilly December afternoon, snowflakes gently falling outside as you sip on hot cocoa. You slice into a perfectly baked gingerbread loaf, revealing its soft, moist center. Each bite is like a hug from an old friend—a blend of sweetness and spice that wraps around your taste buds with warmth. Trust me; this is not just any loaf; it’s a celebration in itself.

I still remember the first time I made this gingerbread loaf for my family during our annual holiday gathering—everyone was raving about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a richer texture; it allows the loaf to rise beautifully.

• Baking Soda: Essential for that perfect rise; make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.

• Ground Ginger: Choose high-quality ginger for bold flavor; it’s the star ingredient of this loaf.

• Cinnamon: Go for Ceylon cinnamon if possible; it’s sweeter and more aromatic than regular cassia cinnamon.

• Brown Sugar: Light or dark works here; dark brown gives deeper caramel notes to your loaf.

• Molasses: Use unsulfured molasses for pure flavor; it’s what makes gingerbread truly sing.

• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and add moisture.

• Vegetable Oil: Opt for neutral oil, which keeps the flavor of spices front and center.

• Milk: Whole milk gives richness; you can also use buttermilk for extra tenderness.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors; don’t skip this crucial ingredient!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered to prevent sticking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The smell alone should get you excited!

Create the Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix brown sugar and molasses until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vegetable oil and milk. Whisk until everything is blended beautifully.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! You want that loaf airy yet firm.

Add Vanilla Extract : Fold in vanilla extract at this stage—it’s like adding fairy dust! Your batter should be thick but pourable now.

Bake to Perfection : Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible during this time!

Cool Down and Serve : Once baked, allow your gingerbread loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Slice when cool enough but feel free to dig in while warm—it’s heavenly!

This gingerbread loaf will quickly become a beloved staple in your home—perfectly spiced and delightfully comforting!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the wet ingredients first, then add dry ingredients gradually while blending. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out some of the molasses for honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. Adding chopped nuts or candied ginger can also give your gingerbread loaf an exciting crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store your gingerbread loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, simply pop slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until toasty.

Baking this gingerbread loaf always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and warm spices. She would insist that we taste-test every batch, ensuring no one left without a sugary smile.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour for gingerbread loaf?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used but may alter texture slightly.

How do I know when my gingerbread loaf is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.

Can I freeze gingerbread loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

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Gingerbread Loaf

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Gingerbread loaf is the ultimate holiday treat, enveloping you in warmth with its aromatic spices and rich flavors. This moist, comforting loaf is perfect for chilly afternoons or festive gatherings, making it a delightful centerpiece for any dessert table. Enjoy each slice fresh from the oven or gift it to friends and family as a sweet token of the season.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¾ cup unsulfured molasses
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix brown sugar and molasses until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in oil and milk.
4. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; fold in vanilla.
5. Pour batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg