Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfect Holiday Treat

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Gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting is a delightful and comforting dessert that brings warmth and festive flavors to any occasion. This easy-to-make loaf combines the rich spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, with the smooth, tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting, creating a treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy morning or sharing it with friends and family, this gingerbread loaf is a must-try recipe that will have everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

This gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a great option for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. The bread itself is soft, flavorful, and filled with aromatic spices that are the hallmark of traditional gingerbread. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish that complements the loaf’s warm, spicy flavors. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, this gingerbread loaf will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and enhances the spice flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle background note to the other flavors.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the loaf rise.

Unsweetened Applesauce: A healthier alternative to oil, adding moisture and a slight sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the loaf.
Baking Soda: Helps the loaf rise and achieve a light texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spice flavors.
Ground Ginger: The star of the recipe, giving the loaf its signature flavor.

Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
Ground Cloves: Provides a touch of sharpness and complexity.
Nutmeg: Offers a subtle hint of warmth that enhances the gingerbread flavor.
Crystallized Ginger Chips: Gives the loaf a chewy texture and extra burst of ginger flavor.

For the Frosting:

Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, offering a creamy, tangy flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and richness to the frosting.
Orange Extract: Brings a refreshing citrusy note that complements the gingerbread.

Orange Zest: Brightens the frosting with a zesty, aromatic flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a perfect spreadable consistency.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

Applesauce: If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute with mashed banana or yogurt for a similar moisture effect.

Crystallized Ginger Chips: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use ground ginger instead or leave it out entirely for a more traditional gingerbread taste.
Orange Extract: For a different flavor profile, try using lemon extract instead of orange extract for a citrusy twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gingerbread Loaf

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.

Sift the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and mix until combined. The batter might curdle at this stage, but don’t worry; it will smooth out later.
Incorporate the applesauce: Add the applesauce to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.

Add the dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the loaf remains tender.
Fold in crystallized ginger: Gently fold in the crystallized ginger chips with a spatula to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the loaf starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking until done.

Cool the loaf: Allow the gingerbread loaf to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

Use cold cream cheese for the frosting to prevent it from becoming runny. This ensures a thick, creamy texture that spreads beautifully over the loaf.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to avoid dense bread.

Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.
Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, a small amount of milk or cream can loosen it up.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

This gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with a variety of pairings:

Top with chopped walnuts or additional crystallized ginger for added texture and flavor.
Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement the spices in the loaf.
Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Add a dash of cinnamon to the frosting for an extra hint of spice.

Storage: This gingerbread loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting is the Ultimate Holiday Treat

The combination of gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting is a holiday classic that brings together the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tanginess. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite. It’s simple to make, deliciously spiced, and topped with a rich, velvety frosting that elevates the entire experience. This gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting is the ultimate treat to enjoy all season long!

Conclusion

In conclusion, gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting is a timeless holiday treat that’s sure to delight your family and friends. The perfect blend of warm spices in the loaf, paired with the tangy sweetness of the frosting, makes it an unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a cozy snack, this recipe is easy, flavorful, and versatile. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a bakery-quality gingerbread loaf right at home. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and indulge in this festive favorite today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this gingerbread loaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make this gingerbread loaf ahead of time. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to store it for longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and frost when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different frosting for this gingerbread loaf?

While the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spices in the gingerbread, you can experiment with different frostings. A simple powdered sugar glaze, buttercream frosting, or even whipped cream could work if you’re looking for an alternative. However, the rich, creamy cream cheese frosting is the most popular pairing!

How do I prevent my gingerbread loaf from being too dry?

To avoid a dry loaf, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the loaf to become dense. Additionally, don’t skip the applesauce as it adds moisture to the loaf. If your loaf is overbaked, it can also dry out, so keep an eye on the baking time and test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

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Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting is a perfect holiday treat that combines the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with a tangy and creamy frosting. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and ideal for festive occasions.

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 cold cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp orange extract
Orange zest from one orange
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg together. Set aside.
Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until combined.

Stir in the applesauce and mix until incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in crystallized ginger chips.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat cold cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla, orange extract, and zest. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled loaf and garnish with chopped walnuts or crystallized ginger if desired. Slice and serve.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is cold to avoid runny frosting.
If the top of the loaf browns too quickly, cover it with foil during the final baking phase.

Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar for frosting consistency.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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