Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of holiday cheer, this Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. This loaf is tender and moist with just the right balance of ginger and cinnamon spices, while the luscious cinnamon frosting on top adds a creamy, sweet finish that elevates every bite. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a quiet afternoon, this recipe brings comfort and festive joy into every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the spices deliver warmth and depth, the molasses brings that dark, rich sweetness and moisture, and the brown sugar and butter blend to create a soft, indulgent texture.

• 2 2/3 cups flour: The foundation that gives structure and body to the loaf.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures your loaf rises perfectly and stays light.
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger: The star spice that gives this loaf its signature zesty, spicy kick.
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic aromatic touch.
• 1 teaspoon allspice: Provides a subtle complexity with hints of clove and nutmeg.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (softened): Brings richness and moisture to the batter.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness that’s essential in gingerbread.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a lovely background note that complements the spices.
• 3/4 cup molasses: The heart of gingerbread flavor, giving it that classic dark and slightly smoky sweetness.
• 1 cup hot water: Helps dissolve the molasses and blends all ingredients smoothly.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of the cinnamon frosting for a sweet, smooth finish.
• 2 tablespoons whole milk: Creates the perfect frosting consistency that’s creamy but pourable.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled into the frosting for that extra cinnamon punch.

How to Make Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Getting started is as easy as preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, spray your loaf pan lightly with cooking spray to ensure the loaf releases cleanly after baking. Setting this up early means no sticking and a gorgeous finished look.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk these spices and baking soda thoroughly so every bite carries the perfect blend of warm flavors. This step ensures your gingerbread will have uniform spice distribution.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a standing mixer, beat the softened butter together with the brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and homogenous. This creaming step is crucial to achieve that soft texture in your loaf.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the batter and help it come together beautifully when you add the liquids and dry components.

Step 5: Combine Molasses and Hot Water

In a separate bowl, stir together the molasses and hot water until fully combined. This warm mixture helps dissolve the molasses, making it easier to incorporate into the batter while infusing deep flavor and moisture.

Step 6: Add Wet and Dry Ingredients to the Batter

Pour the molasses mixture into your butter and sugar mixture and blend until smooth. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen your loaf, so gentle is the way to go!

Step 7: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time allows for a perfectly cooked interior with a tender crumb.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Once baked, transfer your loaf onto a wire rack and let it cool for roughly 45 minutes. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon to create the luscious cinnamon frosting. Pour this glorious glaze over your loaf, allowing it to set for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Now that your Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is complete, it’s time to dig in. Each bite is a beautiful marriage of spicy warmth and creamy sweetness that’s impossible not to love.

How to Serve Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, consider sprinkling some finely chopped candied ginger or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top of the frosting. A few toasted pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and complement the warm spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

This gingerbread loaf pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of spiced chai tea. These sides contrast the loaf’s rich spice with creamy or aromatic elements, creating a truly memorable tasting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, slice the loaf thick and arrange the pieces on a wooden board with fresh cranberries and evergreen sprigs. You can also slice and toast pieces lightly, then sandwich with a spread of cream cheese for an indulgent twist on a classic treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover gingerbread loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. The frosting might firm up, but it’s still delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic and then again in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love your gingerbread warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly. The frosting softens beautifully when warmed, bringing back that freshly glazed feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

While honey or maple syrup can replace molasses in a pinch, molasses has a unique, robust flavor and dark color that defines gingerbread. Using substitutes will result in a lighter taste and color, so molasses is highly recommended for authentic flavor.

What kind of pan is best for this gingerbread loaf?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure it’s well greased or lined to prevent sticking. If you want, silicone pans are also an option but might affect baking time slightly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To try a gluten-free version of this Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Keep in mind texture might change slightly, but flavor should remain delicious.

Is it possible to make the frosting dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat, and the frosting will still be creamy and flavorful. Just adjust the liquid amount if needed to maintain the perfect consistency.

How should I store leftover frosting if I make extra?

Store any extra cinnamon frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using again, give it a good stir and if needed, add a splash of milk to restore smoothness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking a loaf that’s rich with tradition and spiced just right, and this Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe delivers on all fronts. Its comforting spices, tender crumb, and creamy frosting feel like a hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite, whether for holiday celebrations or simply to brighten an ordinary day with extraordinary flavor.

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