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Spiced Gingerbread Loaf

The Spiced Gingerbread Loaf features rich, warm spices and deep sweetness from molasses, making it a cozy treat perfect for any time but especially during the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup unsulphured or dark molasses
  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
  • 23 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the unsulphured molasses and hot water until thoroughly blended.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  5. Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, alternating between the two, and mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For serving, drizzle with an orange juice glaze for extra flavor. Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, loaf, baking, holiday recipe, cozy dessert