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Creamy Gingerbread Loaf Recipe with Best Cream Cheese Frosting

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This creamy gingerbread loaf is soft, moist, and packed with warm spices and molasses, topped with a tangy, rich cream cheese frosting. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Pour in molasses and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
  5. With the mixer on low, add half the flour mixture, then half the milk. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
  8. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
  9. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until thick and creamy.
  10. Spread the frosting over the cooled gingerbread loaf. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Use unsulfured baking molasses for best flavor. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a tender crumb. Do not overmix the batter. Cool loaf completely before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, see blog tips. The loaf can be baked as muffins or mini loaves; adjust baking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread loaf, cream cheese frosting, holiday baking, Christmas dessert, spiced loaf, easy gingerbread, molasses loaf, festive treat

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-gingerbread-loaf-recipe-with-best-cream-cheese-frosting/