Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas that make you feel all cozy inside. My favorite holiday treat has to be the gingerbread loaf! It’s not just a loaf; it’s a delightful blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that dances on your taste buds and instantly brings back cherished memories of family gatherings. I can almost hear the laughter and see the twinkling lights as I slice into that perfectly baked loaf. Trust me, once you bake this gingerbread loaf, you’ll find it’s a staple in your holiday traditions. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. So, let’s get into this delicious recipe and create some sweet holiday magic together!

Ingredients List

Essential Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour – sifted for a lighter texture
1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the loaf rise
1 teaspoon ground ginger – gives that signature zing
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth and sweetness
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – for that cozy, festive flavor
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming
1 cup brown sugar – for rich sweetness and moisture
2 large eggs – helps bind everything together
1/2 cup molasses – gives depth and that classic gingerbread taste
1/2 cup hot water – helps combine the ingredients smoothly

How to Prepare Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want that oven nice and toasty by the time our batter is ready.
In a medium bowl, mix together the sifted flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk it all together until well combined—this step ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the loaf!
Now, grab a larger bowl and cream the softened butter and brown sugar together. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too! Beat it until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Next, crack in those two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the molasses and give it a good stir. This is where the magic starts to happen—your batter will start smelling heavenly!
Now, it’s time to slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, alternating with the hot water. Start by adding a third of the flour mix, then half the hot water, and repeat until everything is combined. This method helps keep the batter nice and smooth—no lumps here!
Once everything is well mixed, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Make sure to spread it evenly, so it bakes uniformly. I love using a spatula for this part!
Pop that bad boy in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just don’t forget to check around the 50-minute mark—no one likes a dry loaf!
When it’s ready, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible, so have your patience hat on!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this delicious gingerbread loaf! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so they might vary a bit depending on what you use. But here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per slice:

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g

This gingerbread loaf offers a delightful treat that balances flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s a sweet indulgence that’s not too heavy on the waistline!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick to prepare—perfect for those busy holiday baking days!
The delightful blend of spices creates a cozy aroma that fills your home.
Every slice is moist and packed with flavor, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
This gingerbread loaf is a holiday favorite that brings back cherished memories.
It’s versatile—enjoy it plain, or dress it up with a cream cheese frosting!
Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
It’s an impressive yet simple bake that’s perfect for gifting to friends and family.

Tips for Success

Ah, the little secrets that can take your gingerbread loaf from great to absolutely spectacular! Trust me, these tips will make all the difference in your baking adventure.

Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. This helps them mix more smoothly and creates a better texture in the loaf.
Don’t skip sifting: Sifting your flour and spices together not only helps to aerate them but also prevents lumps. It’s a small step that ensures an even bake.
Check your baking powder: Make sure your baking soda is fresh! Old baking soda won’t give you that perfect rise, and we want a nice fluffy loaf.
Timing is key: Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary. Start checking around the 50-minute mark, but don’t rush it—let that gingerbread loaf bake until it’s just right!
Cool it down: Letting your gingerbread loaf cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack helps it set up nicely. This way, it won’t crumble when you slice it!
Wrap it up: If you’re not serving it right away, wrap your cooled loaf in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it moist and flavorful for days, or even a week!
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for an extra twist. It’s a fun way to make it your own!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a gingerbread loaf pro in no time. Happy baking, my friend!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked this delightful gingerbread loaf, you might be wondering how to keep it fresh and tasty! Storing it properly is key to enjoying every last slice.

First, let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps lock in moisture and keeps that gorgeous flavor intact! You can also store it in an airtight container if you prefer.

Keep your wrapped gingerbread loaf at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, pop it in the fridge, where it can last for about a week. Just remember, it might dry out a bit, so make sure it’s well wrapped!

Now, if you’re ready to enjoy a slice after a few days, you can either eat it cold or give it a little refresh. To reheat, slice off a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms it up perfectly and enhances those lovely spices! If you prefer it warm all the way through, you can also place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your gingerbread loaf for days to come—enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this gingerbread loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This gingerbread loaf actually tastes even better a day after baking, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
You can get creative! Try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch, or mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also add a delightful touch!

How should I store leftover gingerbread loaf?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember, it might dry out a bit if not wrapped well!

Can I substitute ingredients?
Sure! If you’re out of molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Adjust the recipe to suit your needs!

Is this gingerbread loaf suitable for freezing?
Yes! This loaf freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge!

Gingerbread Loaf: 7 Ways to Evoke Holiday Joy

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A spiced gingerbread loaf that is perfect for the holidays.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in molasses.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool before slicing.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Can be served with cream cheese frosting.
Best enjoyed after a day for flavors to develop.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Gingerbread loaf, holiday baking, spiced bread

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