This gingerbread loaf is everything you want in a cozy baked treat—moist, warmly spiced, and full of deep molasses flavor. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, ideal for holiday mornings, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re making it as a festive treat, a gift, or just because you’re craving something warmly spiced and homey, this gingerbread loaf comes together easily and makes your kitchen smell like magic. Bonus: It’s even better the next day!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Gingerbread Success
- Use dark molasses (not blackstrap) for the best sweet-and-spicy flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter—just until combined for a tender crumb.
- Let it cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze to dress it up.
- Make it ahead—flavor deepens after a day!
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier version
- Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or cranberries for texture
- Swap buttermilk with sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Add a lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting for a fancy finish
- Make into mini loaves or muffins—adjust bake time accordingly
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
🕒 Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Bake up to 2 days ahead—wrap tightly once cool
- Store at room temp for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
- Freeze whole or sliced loaf for up to 3 months (wrap well)
🔥 How to Make Gingerbread Loaf
1️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
3️⃣ Combine & Pour into Pan
Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 9×5 loaf pan.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
5️⃣ Cool, Slice & Serve
Cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store wrapped at room temp for 3–4 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week
- Freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months—thaw at room temp
🍂 Cozy, Spiced, and Simply Delicious
This gingerbread loaf is the kind of simple, comforting bake that tastes like a hug. It’s soft, flavorful, and filled with holiday warmth—but you’ll want it year-round! Perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking a slice with your afternoon coffee.
Tried it? Leave a comment and tell me—did you dust it, glaze it, or enjoy it plain and warm? ☕🍞
Leave a Reply