Classic Gingerbread Loaf
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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.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Cake 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 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.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll want your butter at room temperature before beginning this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract: Try a bourbon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Molasses: 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.
- Spices and Seasonings: You’ll need salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger.
- Baking powder and baking soda: The work in tandem to help the gingerbread cake rise and produce a tender loaf.
- All-purpose flour
- Cream cheese: The foundation of the dreamy cream cheese frosting. Be sure this is softened before beginning to make the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: The other key ingredient for the frosting. Be sure to add this in batches allowing each batch to fully incorporate before adding more.
- Heavy whipping cream: This helps thin the frosting slightly to give it the perfect texture.
Essential Items for this Recipe
How to Make Gingerbread Loaf Cake
This gingerbread loaf recipe 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.
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.
More Great Holiday Dessert Recipes
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
Gingerbread Loaf
Ingredients
Gingerbread Loaf
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles optional
Instructions
Gingerbread Loaf Cake
- 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.1 cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar
- 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.3 large eggs, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ½ cup molasses
- 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.½ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon cloves, 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- Pour the batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 55-60 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Cream Cheese 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 batter before adding more.8 ounces cream cheese, 3 cups powdered sugar
- Add salt, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds.1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Frost the cooled cake and top with holiday sprinkles (optional).Holiday sprinkles
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
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?
“Classic Gingerbread Loaf” is a cozy, spiced treat that brings the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses together in a moist, flavorful loaf. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving something comforting, this loaf has a rich, aromatic taste that fills your kitchen with the scent of spices. It’s delicious on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness. Simple to make, it’s a perfect addition to any dessert table or as a gift.