Description

This Gingerbread Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for the holiday season or any cozy occasion. Infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, and sweetened with molasses and brown sugar, this loaf balances rich, spiced flavors with a smooth cinnamon glaze topping. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, it pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons ground ginger
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup molasses
1 cup hot water

Cinnamon Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking your loaf.
Prepare Loaf Pan: Spray a loaf pan thoroughly with cooking spray (such as PAM) to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Molasses and Water: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the hot water and molasses until fully blended.
Add Molasses Mixture to Wet Ingredients: Pour the molasses-water mixture into the stand mixer bowl containing the butter and sugar mixture, then mix until thoroughly combined.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Slowly add in the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer, mixing continuously until just combined to create the batter.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake Loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature, which should take about 45 minutes.
Make Cinnamon Frosting: While the loaf cools, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.
Glaze the Loaf: Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Pour the cinnamon glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Set the Frosting: Let the glaze harden for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure a perfect finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the gingerbread loaf and serve it as a delightful treat with your favorite hot beverage.

Notes

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor impact.
The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar (thicker) or milk (thinner) as needed.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
This loaf freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: gingerbread loaf,cinnamon frosting,holiday loaf,molasses bread,spiced loaf,baked gingerbread,moist gingerbread loaf,cinnamon glaze dessert