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Gingerbread Loaf with Vanilla Drizzle

Gingerbread Loaf with Vanilla Drizzle


Description

Welcome, cozy home bakers and gingerbread enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for the perfect winter treat, our Spiced Gingerbread Loaf with Creamy Vanilla Drizzle is just what you need. This moist and flavorful gingerbread loaf brings the rich, warming spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves together, and it’s topped with a smooth, velvety vanilla drizzle that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this loaf is a simple yet satisfying bake that fills your kitchen with the holiday spirit. Let’s dive in and make this delightful gingerbread loaf recipe a new seasonal tradition!


Ingredients

Scale

Gingerbread Loaf Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Sifted to remove lumps and ensure a light, fluffy texture.
  • 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the loaf rise to perfection.
  • 1 tsp ground ginger – Essential for that classic gingerbread warmth.
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Adds a sweet and spicy depth.
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves – A little goes a long way with this strong spice.
  • ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – For richness and tenderness.
  • ½ cup brown sugar – Adds a molasses-like sweetness.
  • ½ cup molasses – This is what gives gingerbread its signature deep color and robust flavor.
  • 1 egg – Helps bind the ingredients.
  • ½ cup buttermilk – Keeps the loaf moist and adds a slight tang.

Vanilla Drizzle Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar – The base of our smooth, sweet drizzle.
  • 23 tbsp milk – Adjust the amount to get your desired drizzle consistency.
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a hint of warmth and sweetness.

Optional Substitutions:

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of ½ cup almond milk plus ½ tsp vinegar.
  • You can swap molasses with honey or maple syrup, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Environment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. For added ease, you can also line the pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the spices and prevents clumping.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Incorporate Molasses and Egg

Add the molasses to the creamed mixture and beat until well combined. Then add the egg and beat again, ensuring everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to ensure a well-blended batter.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Drizzle

While the loaf cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the loaf is fully cooled, drizzle the vanilla icing generously over the top.

Notes

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
  • Adjust Spices to Taste: Love cinnamon? Add an extra pinch, or even a hint of nutmeg for a twist.
  • Let the Loaf Cool Completely Before Icing: Adding the drizzle too soon will cause it to melt and lose its beautiful effect.
  • Storage Tip: For a longer-lasting loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap once cooled and store it at room temperature.