Description
This Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. The rich flavor comes from molasses, ginger, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses (unsulphured, not blackstrap)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste (or ¼ teaspoon ginger powder)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick baking spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the molasses and ginger paste to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, spreading it to the edges so it barely drips down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Enjoy as breakfast, a snack, or a festive dessert.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake