Description
A soft, tender gingerbread loaf filled with warm holiday spices, molasses sweetness, and topped with fluffy vanilla whipped icing. Perfect for gifting, brunch tables, cozy dessert nights, or holiday tea time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- ⅓ cup (80ml) molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 6 oz (170g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Mini gingerbread cookies, Fresh rosemary sprigs, Light dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, mix until combined.
- Stir in milk, molasses, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until smooth — do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake 40–48 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat again.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy and smooth.
- Pipe or spread the whipped icing over the cooled loaf.
- Garnish with mini gingerbread cookies and fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Finish with a soft dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This loaf can be made a day in advance for easier holiday entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-48 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg