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Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

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4.9 from 78 reviews

This Gingerbread Loaf is a moist and flavorful spiced bread perfect for the holiday season or any cozy day. Infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and sweetened with molasses and apple butter, this loaf offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The loaf is easy to prepare and bakes into a tender texture, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Ground Ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 cup Apple Butter
  • 3/4 cup Molasses
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 cup Buttermilk

For Garnish

  • Powdered Sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ or 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray to ensure the loaf does not stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a metal mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Sugars and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a rubber spatula to cream together the sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and apple butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Add molasses and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to integrate fully.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until blended. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb. Fold in the buttermilk carefully with a spatula, combining just until incorporated.
  5. Bake the Loaf: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Loaf: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once fully cooled, dust the top of the loaf with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish. Slice into 12 pieces and serve.

Notes

  • Apple butter adds moisture and a subtle fruit flavor to the loaf, but can be omitted or replaced with an equal amount of applesauce if preferred.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to prevent a dense texture.
  • Ensure the loaf cools completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Find it online: https://cookedbyclara.com/gingerbread-loaf-recipe/