Go Back
–+ servings
Gingerbread Loaf

Moist Gingerbread Loaf with Creamy Brown Butter Frosting

This Gingerbread Loaf offers rich, spiced flavors and a creamy frosting, making it a perfect festive dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Loaf
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure it's fresh for optimal results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt Regular salt can be used.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Ginger Adjust based on desired heat.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon Pumpkin pie spice is a great variation.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg A little goes a long way.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves Can be omitted or replaced with additional cinnamon.
  • 1 large Egg Use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Pure vanilla gives the best results.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature) Softened coconut oil can be used for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Dark brown sugar can deepen flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Unsulfured Molasses Avoid sulfured molasses for better taste.
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk (room temperature) 1 tbsp vinegar with milk can be used as a substitute.
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup Brown Butter Can substitute with regular melted butter.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened) Choose full-fat for best results.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Always sift to avoid lumps.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting) Almond extract is a nice twist.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for frosting) Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Any milk alternative can work.

Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • sifter
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • parchment paper
  • Wire Rack
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla, then add butter, sugar, and molasses—mix until fluffy.
  4. Gradually add the egg mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients and buttermilk.
  5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool the loaf in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Melt the butter for frosting until brown, then mix with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk.
  8. Frost the completely cooled loaf and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure room temperature ingredients for a moist loaf. Don't overmix to retain fluffiness. Cool the loaf completely before frosting.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!