Gingerbread Loaf

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This Gingerbread Loaf is a soft, moist and perfectly spiced quick bread loaded with rich molasses flavour and warm hints of ginger and nutmeg.

Made with brown sugar, buttermilk and simple pantry ingredients, this easy homemade gingerbread is perfect for holiday baking.

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet finishing touch to this delicious Christmas treat.

Whether you're serving it for breakfast, enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee or adding it to your holiday dessert spread, this old-fashioned gingerbread loaf is sure to be a hit.

Why This Recipe is a Winner!

• Soft and Moist: The combination of buttermilk, butter and molasses creates a tender loaf that practically melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this a great recipe for beginner bakers.
• Perfect for Holiday Baking: This festive loaf is a delicious addition to Christmas breakfast, holiday brunch or dessert tables.
• No Fancy Decorations Needed: A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives this gingerbread loaf a beautiful, snowy finish.
• Made with Pantry Staples: Most of the ingredients are everyday baking essentials you may already have on hand.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap up a homemade loaf for a thoughtful Christmas gift for neighbours, teachers or friends.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This gingerbread loaf can be baked ahead of time, making holiday entertaining a little easier.

Ingredients You'll Need

• All Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates a soft, tender loaf.
• Baking Soda: Helps the gingerbread rise and gives it a light texture.
• Ground Ginger: Adds that classic warm gingerbread flavour.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the spices.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavours.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness, moisture and a hint of caramel flavour.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, moist and tender loaf.
• Unsulphured Molasses: Gives the gingerbread its signature rich flavour and deep colour.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and warm spices.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the loaf moist and tender while helping it rise.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds a sweet, festive finishing touch.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don't miss out on any important tips and tricks!

Step By Step Instructions

 STEP 1: 

In a medium mixing bowl, I whisked together flour, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

 STEP 2: 

In a large mixing bowl I combined butter, brown sugar and molasses.

I added eggs and vanilla extract and continued mixing.

 STEP 3: 

I gradually incorporated the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

 STEP 4: 

I poured the batter into a parchment lined loaf pan and smoothed it out evenly.

 STEP 5: 

I baked the loaf for 50 minutes and then allowed it to cool completely before sifting powdered sugar over top.

Every bite of this soft, moist gingerbread loaf is packed with rich molasses flavour and warm holiday spices, with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar adding just the right amount of sweetness.

Enjoy a thick slice with your morning coffee, serve it as an afternoon treat or sneak a piece straight from the kitchen counter whenever those gingerbread cravings hit!

If you are looking for a tasty holiday treat to serve with coffee or brunch, then you need to try this Gingerbread Loaf!

• Use Unsulphured Molasses: Regular unsulphured molasses gives this loaf its classic gingerbread flavour without the bitterness of blackstrap molasses.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter, eggs and buttermilk to come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don't Overmix the Batter: Fold the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet ingredients just until combined to keep the loaf soft and tender.
• Measure Your Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid adding too much and ending up with a dry loaf.
• Line Your Loaf Pan: Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the gingerbread out of the pan without breaking it.
• Watch the Baking Time: Start checking the loaf around 45 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Don't Overbake: Gingerbread can dry out if left in the oven too long, so remove it as soon as the centre is fully baked.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow the loaf to cool before slicing to prevent crumbling and help it hold its shape.
• Wait to Add the Powdered Sugar: Dust the loaf with powdered sugar just before serving so it doesn't dissolve into the surface.
• Warm It Up: Pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds and spread it with a little butter for an extra delicious treat.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add Cinnamon: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for an extra layer of warm holiday spice.
• Make It Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a bolder gingerbread flavour.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and fill with milk to the 1 cup line. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Swap the light brown sugar for dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavour.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Skip the powdered sugar and spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled loaf for a sweeter, more indulgent dessert.
• Vanilla Glaze: Drizzle the loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract.
• Orange Gingerbread Loaf: Add 1–2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavour that complements the warm spices.
• Chocolate Chip Gingerbread: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for little pockets of sweetness throughout the loaf.
• Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
• Maple Glaze: Top the cooled loaf with a sweet maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup and a splash of milk.
• Make Gingerbread Muffins: Divide the batter between lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F, checking for doneness around 18–22 minutes.
• Add Dried Fruit: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist on this classic gingerbread recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my gingerbread loaf is done baking?

• Insert a toothpick into the centre of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the gingerbread is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.

Can I make this gingerbread loaf ahead of time?

• Absolutely! This gingerbread loaf is a great make-ahead Christmas dessert because the warm spices and molasses flavours develop as it sits. Bake it a day in advance and add the powdered sugar just before serving.

How should I store leftover gingerbread loaf?

• Store the cooled gingerbread loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days, although refrigeration may make the loaf slightly firmer.

Can I freeze gingerbread loaf?

• Yes! Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. For best results, add the powdered sugar after thawing.

Gingerbread Loaf

Yield: Serves 10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This Gingerbread Loaf is a soft, moist and perfectly spiced quick bread made with rich molasses, brown sugar, ginger and nutmeg.

Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this easy homemade gingerbread is perfect for Christmas baking, holiday brunch or a sweet afternoon treat.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup unsulphered molasses
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Powdered sugar to top

Instructions

1. Line a 9 inch loaf pan with parchment and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the brown sugar, butter, and molasses. Add the vanilla and eggs, and mix until well combined.
5. Alternate adding the dry mixture and the buttermilk, folding together until just combined.
6. Pour into the parchment lined loaf pan and smooth out evenly.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, careful not to over bake.
8. Allow the bread to cool completely.
9. Then, sift the powdered sugar over top.
10. Slice and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 374mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 1gSugar: 25gProtein: 5g

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