Soft, moist, and fabulously flavored gingerbread loaf tastes just like the holidays! Topped with a scrumptious cream cheese frosting, this is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over.
For me, the smells of the holidays are always those of cinnamon, clove, and ginger. This recipe takes all those delicious flavors and combines them into an irresistible classic gingerbread loaf.
This easy holiday recipe capitalizes on the classic flavors of the holidays and turns them into a magical dessert or slice of cake to enjoy with tea or coffee. Don’t worry! There are no fancy ingredients here but only things you’ll easily find in your pantry or local store.
In fact, the gingerbread loaf recipes comes together in just one bowl! We love a simple recipe that doesn’t leave us with a lot of clean up!
This gingerbread loaf if fabulous on its own but I love it with the cream cheese frosting on top. Toss on some fun holiday themed sprinkles for a special addition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- This recipe is so easy to make and tastes like you spent hours preparing it. It will easily become one of your most requested recipes for sure.
- This is a great recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll especially love decorating with sprinkles.
- Gingerbread loaf is perfect for any time of the day! You can enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or serve it as dessert.
- When it is baking, your entire house will smell like gingerbread!
This would make such a fantastic hostess gift or small present for someone visiting for the holidays. Edible gifts are always a winner and no one can resist a slice of this delicious gingerbread cake.
If you love gingerbread loaf and all those warming spice flavors, be sure to check these other great recipe ideas:
- Gingerbread Cheesecake Trifle
- Bourbon Apple Blondies
- Chocolate Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars
And don’t forget to be sure you have these key kitchen items on hand before you make this delectable gingerbread loaf (contains affiliate links)
If you make this gingerbread loaf recipe or any recipe from the blog, I’d love to hear about your experience. Leave me a comment below or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Facebook. And be sure to pin this for later so you can make it all holiday season long.
Gingerbread Loaf
Soft, moist, and fabulous flavored gingerbread loaf tastes just like the holidays!
Ingredients
Gingerbread Loaf
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easy gingerbread loaf removal.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes or until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds to one minute. Add molasses and beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Add salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Mix until everything is incorporated, using a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides.
- Pour the batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 55-60 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese for 3-4 minutes or until light and fluffy. Working in batches, add the powdered sugar allowing each addition to fully mix into the butter before adding more. Add salt, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Frost the cooled cake and top with holiday sprinkles (optional).
Notes
- Leftover gingerbread loaf can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cake freezes well wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Do not open the oven door while the loaf is baking, it could cause the middle of the loaf to sink.
- You can skip the frosting if desired, the cake is delicious on its own. Or you could do a light dusting over the top with powdered sugar.
- Buying molasses can be confusing. There are different intensities of molasses at the store from lighter to blackstrap. I’m using dark molasses in this recipe and a few brands that I prefer are Grandma’s Unsulfured Molasses or Grandma’s Robust Molasses. I would not recommend using Blackstrap.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
11Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 551Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 541mgCarbohydrates: 77gFiber: 1gSugar: 60gProtein: 5g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a recipe based on factors such as precision of measurements, brands, ingredient freshness, or the source of nutrition data. We strive to keep the information as accurate as possible, but make no warranties regarding its accuracy. We encourage readers to make their own calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
This Classic Gingerbread Loaf looks like the perfect treat for the holidays! I love how the warm spices and rich flavors come together in a simple yet delicious loaf. It’s definitely a great way to fill the house with cozy, festive aromas. Do you have any tips for making it extra moist or a fun twist to try?