Ginger Bread Loaf Recipe

The warm scent of gingerbread can transform your kitchen into a comforting winter haven. As you gather with loved ones around a beautifully baked loaf, you celebrate the joy and magic of the season. This loaf is packed with warming spices, meant to comfort and have several health benefits including reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and improved circulation. Baking a gingerbread loaf this season is not only about creating a tasty treat; it’s about fostering warmth, connection, and magic. Blessed be!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before starting the baking process, gather your ingredients. For this delightful gingerbread loaf, you will need:

The Ginger Bread Loaf

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1&1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup maple syrup (or molasses)

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 tablespoon vanilla

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 3/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)

• 1/4 cup water (room temperature)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 3 and 1/2 cups powder sugar

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.

   
   

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar, then add in the eggs and mix until fluffy. Add in your maple syrup, water, and vanilla and combine well. Lastly mix in spur cream and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.

   
   

4. Combine Both Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense loaf.

   
   
   
   

Baking Your Gingerbread Loaf

1. Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Grease a standard loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

   
   

2. Pour and Spread: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for a nice finish.

   
   

3. Bake: Place the loaf in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

   
   

4. Frosting: Whip cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until fluffy, then add the vanilla, then add in the powder sugar a 1/2 cup at a time.

   
   

5. Cool: After baking, let your gingerbread loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will keep the texture light and fluffy. After the loaf has completely cooled, top the loaf with frosting.