Spiced Holiday Gingerbread
This post may contain affiliate links.
Read our Disclaimer.
Leave a Comment ★★★★★
Spiced Holiday Gingerbread
Making a classic Gingerbread Loaf is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and this easy recipe delivers that warm, spiced flavor in under an hour. It’s the perfect solution when you need a festive dessert without spending all day in the kitchen. I promise, this Gingerbread Loaf is so simple and delicious, it will become your new go-to seasonal treat.
Your New Favorite Holiday Bake
- 5-Ingredient Simplicity – With a short list of pantry staples, this Moist Gingerbread Bread comes together quickly.
- One-Bowl Wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy the cozy aroma filling your kitchen.
- Kid-Tested Flavor – The warm spices and sweet molasses make this a Holiday Gingerbread Cake the whole family adores.
- Meal Prep Hero – Bake it ahead for a quick breakfast or snack during the busy holiday rush.
What You’ll Need for Your Perfect Gingerbread Loaf
- All-purpose flour – provides the base structure for our loaf.
- Baking soda – helps the loaf rise beautifully.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors.
- Ground ginger – gives that warm, spicy kick.
- Ground cinnamon – adds sweet warmth.
- Ground cloves – provides deep aromatic flavor.
- Unsalted butter – creates moist, rich texture.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness to balance spices.
- Molasses – gives classic gingerbread flavor and moisture.
- Egg – binds everything together perfectly.
- Hot water – helps activate ingredients for smooth batter.
From Mixing Bowl to Cozy Perfection in No Time
I know how precious time is during the holidays, so I love that this Easy Gingerbread Recipe is ready so fast. With just 15 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of baking, you’re only about an hour away from a warm slice of heaven.
The total time is just over an hour, making it perfect for a weekend baking project that doesn’t eat up your whole day. Compared to more complex Christmas Baking projects, this Spiced Ginger Loaf is wonderfully straightforward. For another quick bread that’s always a hit, check out my classic banana bread.
Making Your Gingerbread Loaf Work for You
I always want everyone to enjoy dessert, so here are some easy tweaks. For a lower sugar version, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly. The molasses provides deep flavor, so the loaf will still be delicious.
You could also experiment with a natural sugar alternative like stevia for a portion of the sweetness. Remember, even small slices of this flavorful loaf can be satisfying, which is helpful for sugar conscious baking.
My Best Secrets for an Amazing Gingerbread Loaf
After making this loaf more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a big difference.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a pinch of black pepper to the dry ingredients—it enhances the warm spices beautifully.
- Dietary Twist: To make this loaf dairy-free, use an equal amount of coconut oil instead of butter. The result is still incredibly moist.
- Texture Trick: Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour! Stir until just combined for a tender crumb. For more reliable results, my pumpkin muffins use a similar gentle mixing method.
- Storage Savvy: This loaf freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll be ready for a quick treat anytime. For another great freezer-friendly option, try my apple muffin recipe.
Gingerbread Loaf
Indulge in this moist gingerbread loaf with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Perfect for holiday baking with just 15 minutes prep time and delicious molasses flavor.
Equipment
- oven
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- electric mixer
- spatula
- wire rack
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth and no streaks of flour remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Sweet Treat with Surprising Perks
While this Gingerbread Loaf is definitely a dessert, it does offer a few nutritional benefits. Molasses is a source of iron and calcium, and the warm spices like ginger and cinnamon have been enjoyed for their comforting properties for generations.
This recipe is a good source of energy and can be part of a balanced diet. For another dessert that incorporates wholesome ingredients, explore my vegan zucchini bread. If you’re interested in the potential health effects of spices, the Harvard Health Blog offers a great overview. For a festive bar cookie packed with fruit, my moist Christmas cranberry bars are another great choice.
Simple Swaps for a Lighter Loaf
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can successfully make a few adjustments to this recipe. Try replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content while keeping moisture.
Using whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour will add a bit more fiber. For another deliciously spiced treat with a healthier twist, my ginger molasses cookies are a reader favorite.
The Coziest Ways to Enjoy Your Creation
My favorite memory of this loaf is enjoying a thick, warm slice with my kids after building a snowman. The smell of Seasonal Desserts baking just makes the house feel like a holiday home.
Serve a slice slightly warmed with a pat of butter melting on top. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of simple icing. For a perfect pairing, try it with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For another fantastic holiday pairing, my cranberry orange cookies are a wonderful contrast. And if you love the combination of maple and nuts, you have to try my maple walnut muffin.
Avoid These Common Gingerbread Hiccups
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your Gingerbread Loaf turns out perfect every time.
Why is my gingerbread dry? Overbaking is the usual culprit. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. The toothpick should have a few moist crumbs attached, not be completely clean.
How can I prevent a dense loaf? Make sure your baking soda is fresh and don’t overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined is key. For more tips on achieving the perfect texture, see my guide for chocolate banana bread.
Why didn’t my loaf rise properly? Old baking soda or not preheating the oven can cause this. Always preheat your oven fully. The King Arthur Baking website has excellent general baking tips. Also, check out my blueberry cake recipe for another reliable baked good.
I’ve made all these mistakes myself, so learn from my experiences! The best bakers aren’t perfect; they just know how to fix little issues.
Keeping Your Gingerbread Fresh and Tasty
This loaf always reminds me of my grandma, who would bake several and store them in tins for the whole week. To keep your Gingerbread Loaf moist, let it cool completely before storing.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. For another treat that stores wonderfully, my salted caramel apple bars are a great make-ahead option.
You Have to Try This Gingerbread Loaf
This recipe truly captures the spirit of the holidays in the simplest way possible. The warm, comforting spices make your kitchen smell incredible, and the result is a treat that feels both special and familiar.
I encourage you to bake this Gingerbread Loaf and create your own cozy memories. It’s a simple joy that I look forward to every year. If you love this, you might also enjoy my cranberry orange bread, my second blueberry cake recipe, or my other maple walnut muffin. For a chocolatey spin, don’t miss my pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes. I hope this becomes a cherished part of your Gingerbread Loaf tradition too.
More Cozy Holiday Bakes You’ll Adore
If you loved the warm spices and simple joy of this gingerbread loaf, here are a few more recipes to fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.
Vegan Zucchini Bread – A wonderfully moist and wholesome quick bread that’s perfect for any time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gingerbread loaf and gingerbread cake?
A gingerbread loaf is typically denser and more bread-like, often baked in a loaf pan, making it perfect for slicing. Gingerbread cake is usually lighter, fluffier, and baked in a square or round pan. This Gingerbread Loaf has a moist, tender crumb that holds its shape beautifully.
Why is my gingerbread loaf bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from using too much baking soda or an outdated spice, particularly cloves which can become pungent. Always measure your leavening accurately and check the freshness of your spices to ensure your Gingerbread Loaf has a perfectly balanced flavor.
Can I make gingerbread loaf without molasses?
Molasses is essential for the classic, deep flavor of gingerbread. Substituting it with honey or maple syrup will create a different, sweeter taste profile and may affect the moisture content. For an authentic Gingerbread Loaf, I highly recommend using molasses.
How do you know when gingerbread loaf is done?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The edges of the Gingerbread Loaf will also pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
