Gingerbread Loaf ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Name: Gingerbread Loaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups white whole wheat flour; ¼ tsp ground cloves; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp baking soda; ⅔ cup molasses; ¾ cup water; ½ cup melted unsalted butter; ⅓ cup coconut sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg

This gingerbread loaf is warmly spiced, extra cozy, and so soft! You will love the classic holiday flavors in this quick bread. It takes only 10 minutes to mix together. While baking, your home will smell delicious. Kids and adults love this Christmas favorite!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

No fancy baking skills are needed.
This gingerbread loaf recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
The molasses and ginger flavor combination is delicious!
This recipe is made in one mixing bowl.
It takes less than an hour from start to finish.
The combo of molasses and coconut sugar guarantees a moist and tender loaf that melts in your mouth.
This recipe can be made gluten-free. In addition, it is naturally sweetened with coconut sugar.
Add some frosting or whipped cream on top!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients and substitutes for this gingerbread loaf. Scroll down to the recipe card for the entire recipe.

First, use either white whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. They both work well. Regular whole wheat flour works too.

Ground ginger adds a delicious rich flavor.

In addition, cinnamon and ground cloves round out the warm spices.

Baking soda leavens this bread.

Molasses adds a rich flavor.

Water helps thin out the gingerbread batter.

Use unsalted melted butter.

Vanilla extract adds a homemade taste.

Lastly, one egg helps bind the bread together. We have not tried substituting for a vegan egg option.

Taste & Texture

This gingerbread loaf is warm and cozy! It has the classic molasses ginger flavor.

The texture is moist and soft. It is fluffy.

You will love this gingerbread bread recipe!

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, ground cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir together.

Step 3

Then, add in all of the remaining ingredients. Stir together.

Step 4

Pour the gingerbread batter into the lined pan. Smooth into an even layer.

Step 5

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6

Finally, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the bread to fully cool before removing from the pan. Then, slice and serve!

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips and tricks to make the best gingerbread loaf.

Molasses Matters: Dark molasses yields the ultimate gingerbread flavor.

Don't Overmix: A gentle mix ensures a perfectly textured loaf.

Bake to Perfection: Use a toothpick to check if it's done.

Let the loaf cool completely before frosting it.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Experiment with these flavor variations and add-ins to this gingerbread loaf:

Zesty Delight: Add in citrusy goodness using orange zest.

Chocolatey Indulgence: Fold in some chocolate chips for a decadent treat.

Cranberry Bliss: Add a touch of tartness and festive cheer with dried cranberries.

Ginger Overload: Elevate the ginger flavor with crystallized ginger for an extra kick.

How to Serve & Store

Serve this gingerbread loaf once fully cooled.

If desired, top with whipped cream or frosting.

This gingerbread goes well with hot chocolate for the kids!

Store your gingerbread loaf at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months to prolong its freshness.

Thaw before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use honey instead of molasses?

Yes, you can use honey instead of molasses. However, honey will make the loaf sweeter and less spicy.

Can I use dark molasses instead of light molasses?

Yes, you can use dark molasses instead of light molasses. However, dark molasses has a stronger flavor, so you may want to reduce the amount of ginger in the recipe.

Can I add chocolate chips to this gingerbread loaf?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the gingerbread loaf. This is a fun and easy way to add extra sweetness and flavor to the loaf.

Can I frost gingerbread loaf with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can frost it with cream cheese frosting. This is a popular choice because the cream cheese frosting helps to offset the spiciness of the ginger.

Equipment Needed

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: These parchment paper sheets make clean up very easy.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: We love these glass measuring cups.

Bread Pan: I use this bread pan every time I bake this molasses bread!

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