1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf a day or two ahead of time. In fact, this loaf often tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together. Simply store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, frost it with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!

2. Can I freeze the gingerbread loaf?

Absolutely! If you want to freeze the loaf, be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze the loaf for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and frost it with the cream cheese frosting once it's fully thawed.

3. Can I substitute the apple butter in the recipe?

While apple butter adds moisture and flavor to the loaf, you can substitute it with applesauce if needed. However, the texture might be slightly less moist, so keep that in mind. If you’re using applesauce, opt for unsweetened apple sauce to avoid altering the flavor too much.

Starbuck's Gingerbread Loaf Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Name: Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup apple butter; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Description

This homemade Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf is a perfect dessert for the holidays, featuring a moist gingerbread base and a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg paired with the sweet frosting makes this loaf a festive and irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup apple butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated.
Stir in the apple butter, ensuring it’s evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool on a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
Once the loaf has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts (optional). Slice and serve.

Notes

If you don’t have apple butter, you can substitute it with applesauce, but the loaf may not be as moist.
Make sure the loaf is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a vegan frosting made from coconut cream or other plant-based alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 359
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 314mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 47mg