Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake – Easy Holiday Favorite

This Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake is a festive holiday treat that’s rich, moist, and warmly spiced — perfect for gifting or cozying up with a slice and a cup of coffee. Made with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, and finished with a delicate vanilla bean glaze, this cake brings back all the nostalgic flavors of Christmas. It’s easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack.

A Cozy and Delicious Holiday Favorite

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and eye-catching, this Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake hits all the right notes. It’s dense yet tender, deeply flavorful with warm spices, and topped with a light glaze that adds just the right sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, need a homemade edible gift, or just want a seasonal baked good that’s simple to make, this loaf cake delivers. Plus, you don’t need any fancy tools or ingredients — it’s all pantry staples and minimal fuss.

What You’ll Need to Make This Festive Gingerbread Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure while keeping the loaf soft.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the gingerbread aroma.
• Ground Cloves: Brings depth and a slightly peppery note to the flavor profile.
• Ground Nutmeg: Gives a subtle sweetness and spice that balances the molasses.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and spiced notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and keeps the crumb moist.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with hints of caramel and molasses.
• Molasses (Unsulphured): The star of the show — it brings that classic gingerbread taste.

• Ginger Paste or Powder: Paste offers a more intense, moist flavor; powder is convenient.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to the structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and complements the spice.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the batter smoothly.

For the Icing:
• Powdered Sugar: Forms the sweet base of the glaze.
• Milk: Thins out the icing to the perfect pourable consistency.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds visual appeal and an extra pop of vanilla flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Swaps

• Ginger Paste Substitute: Use ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger powder if you don’t have paste.
• Vegan Option: Swap butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• No Vanilla Bean Paste? Use an equal amount of vanilla extract or scrape seeds from a vanilla pod.
• Lighter Sugar: Light brown sugar can be used for a slightly milder molasses taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake the Perfect Loaf

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter with dark brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the molasses and ginger paste. Scrape down the bowl, then add eggs and vanilla.
5. Combine Milk and Dry Mix: With the mixer on low, alternate adding milk and the dry mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
8. Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
9. Ice the Loaf: Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides slightly. Let it set before slicing.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and savor the rich, spiced flavor!

Tips to Make It Even Better

• Use Unsulphured Molasses: Avoid blackstrap molasses — it’s too bitter and overpowering.
• Check Doneness Early: Every oven is different. Start checking at 45 minutes using a toothpick.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes the cake tough.
• Cool Before Glazing: If the loaf is too warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store up to 10 months.

How to Serve, Store, and Make Variations

• Holiday Brunch Star: Serve with quiche, fruit salad, or holiday cocktails like mulled wine.
• Mini Loaves for Gifting: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce bake time. Perfect for teachers, neighbors, or party favors.
• Add a Citrus Twist: Mix orange zest into the batter or glaze for a bright contrast.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of black pepper or more ginger for extra warmth.
• Frost Instead of Glaze: Swap the icing for a layer of cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make this cake dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

The Heartwarming History Behind Gingerbread

Gingerbread’s roots run deep in holiday traditions. The classic combination of ginger and molasses dates back centuries and has taken many forms — from decorative houses to cookies to this cozy loaf cake. Gingerbread men appeared as early as the 16th century, while gingerbread houses rose in popularity after Hansel and Gretel in 1812. Today, a slice of gingerbread loaf still brings that same old-world charm and holiday warmth to kitchens everywhere.

Whether you bake it for guests, wrap it up as a gift, or keep it all to yourself (we won’t judge), this Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake is sure to become a beloved part of your winter baking rotation.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning to explore seasonal recipes, this Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake offers the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Its rich molasses base, warm spices, and smooth vanilla glaze make it a standout centerpiece for holiday gatherings or thoughtful homemade gifts. Versatile enough to serve for breakfast, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a festive dessert, this loaf cake is destined to become a treasured part of your winter baking tradition. Bake it once, and it will become your go-to holiday treat year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iced Gingerbread Loaf Cake

More Relevant Recipes

• Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting: A rich and festive twist on the classic loaf, this version adds a tangy cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence. Perfect for holiday dessert tables and equally great as a homemade gift.
• Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: These moist spiced cupcakes capture all the holiday charm of a loaf cake in individual portions, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting for a deliciously creamy contrast.
• Gingerbread Cheesecake Holiday Dessert: For a more decadent holiday dessert, this gingerbread-flavored cheesecake blends creamy texture with warm seasonal spices, making it a showstopper for festive gatherings.

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