Can I make this gingerbread loaf ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. You can bake the loaf a day or two in advance and store it at room temperature (unfrosted) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Apply the cream cheese frosting just before serving for best texture and freshness. The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the loaf?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted gingerbread loaf. Let it cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, add the cream cheese frosting after thawing. Freezing the frosted loaf is not recommended as the texture of the frosting may change.

What if I don't have crystallized ginger chips?

Crystallized ginger adds texture and an extra zing of spice. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with finely diced candied ginger, or simply increase the amount of ground ginger slightly. You can also omit it entirely and still enjoy a wonderfully spiced, moist loaf.

Gingerbread Loaf with Frosting – Best Holiday Recipe

Name: Gingerbread Loaf with Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup white granulated sugar; 3/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp ground ginger; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/3 cup crystallized ginger chips; 4 oz cream cheese, cold; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting); 1/2 tsp orange extract; 1 tsp orange zest (zest from one orange); 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Description

This Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting is a warm, spiced, and moist holiday treat that’s perfect for chilly mornings and festive gatherings. Made without molasses, it uses applesauce and crystallized ginger for rich flavor and texture, and is topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting enhanced with orange zest.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup white granulated sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup crystallized ginger chips
4 oz cream cheese, cold
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/2 tsp orange extract
1 tsp orange zest (zest from one orange)
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and set aside.
In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
In a mixer, cream the butter for 2 minutes. Add sugar and beat until fluffy (about 2 more minutes).
Add vanilla extract and the egg. Mix well. The batter may look curdled—this is normal.
Mix in the applesauce until the mixture is smooth again.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the crystallized ginger chips with a spatula.
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for another 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat cold cream cheese for 1 minute. Add vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest. Mix briefly.
Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until smooth and thick.
Spread a thick layer of frosting on the cooled loaf. Optionally top with chopped walnuts or extra crystallized ginger.

Notes

Use cold cream cheese for thicker frosting consistency.
If the top of the loaf darkens too quickly, tent it with foil while baking.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
Loaf can be made a day ahead and frosted before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg