Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
A rich and moist gingerbread loaf, perfect for the holidays, with a delightful cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (room temperature) Make sure butter is soft for easy mixing.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 large egg (room temperature) Room temperature is important for better blending.
- 1 cup applesauce Can be substituted with mashed bananas or yogurt.
- 1 1/2 cups flour All-purpose flour.
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans Optional.
For the frosting
- 1/2 block cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar Add until desired consistency is reached.
Instructions
Loaf Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and egg, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the applesauce until combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the desired consistency is reached.
- Once the loaf has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top.
Notes
This loaf is best served warm, either plain or topped with cream cheese frosting. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to store at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.