Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

This Spiced Gingerbread Loaf is a dark, aromatic journey into the heart of winter—the exact treat I crave when I want my home to smell like a festive bakery. A perfect combo of robust molasses, a sharp kick of ground ginger, and a citrus-bright orange glaze that cuts through the deep, warm spices, it is a dense and moist slice of holiday cheer. This is the kind of recipe that actually matures over time, with the flavors deepening and becoming even more soulful a day or two after baking.

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Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup (226g) unsulphured or dark molasses (not blackstrap)
• ¾ cup (180g/ml) hot water (about 100°F)
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup (67g) packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Orange Icing

• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2–3 Tablespoons orange juice

How To Make Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

1. Preheat and prep: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Grease an 8×4-inch or 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine molasses and water: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the dark molasses and hot water together until uniform.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
5. Mix the batter: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the hot water/molasses mixture. Mix just until incorporated—a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes (or up to 65 minutes for an 8×4 pan). The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 1 hour. Remove it from the pan and place it directly on a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
8. Ice and serve: Whisk the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and slice to serve.

Recipe Tips

• Lower Rack Positioning: Baking on the lower third rack prevents the top of the loaf from browning too quickly while ensuring the middle cooks through perfectly.
• The Pepper Secret: Don’t skip the black pepper! It doesn’t make the loaf “hot,” but it acts as a flavor enhancer that deepens the warmth of the cinnamon and ginger.
• Avoid Over-mixing: Once you start adding the liquid and flour, mix only until the white streaks of flour disappear. Over-mixing can lead to a tough, rubbery texture.
• Measure Molasses Correctly: If you lightly coat your measuring cup with non-stick spray before pouring the molasses, it will slide right out without sticking to the sides.

What To Serve With Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

This deeply spiced loaf is a versatile companion for hot drinks and creamy toppings.

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or mascarpone
• A hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a dark roast coffee
• Warm vanilla custard or a scoop of lemon sorbet
• Garnish with sugared cranberries for a beautiful holiday presentation

How To Store Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

• Refrigerate: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the un-iced loaf for up to 2 months. Wrap in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing.

Spiced Gingerbread Loaf Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~280 kcal (per slice)
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g

Nutrition information is estimated based on 10 slices per loaf.

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