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–+ servings

Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake

A delightful combination of festive spices and a rich, moist texture, this Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake is perfect for any occasion, especially during the colder months.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving Size 8 slices

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses (unsulphured, not blackstrap)
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste (or ¼ tsp ginger powder)
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the molasses and ginger; mix to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Next, add the eggs and vanilla. Mix to combine.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add the milk followed by the dry ingredients. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined – avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Baking

  • Bake for 45-50 minutes or just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the gingerbread loaf to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove it and move to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Serving

  • Slice the Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake into thick pieces and drizzle or spread the icing over the top.
  • It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
  • Enjoy it plain or toasted with a little butter for a delightful afternoon snack.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best mixing results. Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a soft texture. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference; for a spicier loaf, increase the ginger or cinnamon content. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits into the batter. For a seasonal twist, try adding some chopped cranberries or walnuts to the batter.