This cake mix gingerbread loaf is an easy gingerbread loaf cake made with a box of cake mix, molasses, warm spices, and a simple cream cheese frosting. It has a tender crumb and rich molasses flavor, making it a good option when you want gingerbread without starting completely from scratch.
This recipe is meant to be a shortcut version of a classic gingerbread loaf recipe. Using cake mix keeps things simple while still delivering familiar gingerbread flavors that work well during the holiday season or any time of year.
Why This Recipe Works
- Uses a box of cake mix for quick prep
- Molasses and spices add traditional gingerbread flavor
- Bakes into a soft loaf with a tender crumb
- Finished with cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style look
- A simple holiday dessert that doesn't require extra steps
Ingredients
Gingerbread Batter
- box white cake mix
- large eggs, room temperature
- molasses
- milk
- ground ginger
- ground cinnamon
- nutmeg
- ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting
- cream cheese, room temperature
- salt
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
How to Make Cake Mix Gingerbread Loaf
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray a large loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, molasses, milk, and spices.
- Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Increase to medium speed and mix just until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top of the cake.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase speed slightly until smooth.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled loaf.
Variations and Helpful Notes
This cake mix gingerbread loaf is meant to be simple, but a few small changes can work if needed. Chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for a sweeter finish, or the loaf can be left unfrosted and served plain.
If you're looking for a fully from-scratch version, this old-fashioned gingerbread loaf is a good option and uses traditional mixing and baking methods.
For a gingerbread dessert with a different texture, these Gingerbread Brownies also use warm spices and are easy to make.
Storage
Store the frosted loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep the loaf unfrosted, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Frost after thawing for best results.
📖 Recipe
Cake Mix Gingerbread Loaf
Equipment
Ingredients
Gingerbread Cake Batter
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 large eggs - room temperature
- ½ cup molasses
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese - room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray a large loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, molasses, milk, and spices.
- Mix on low speed until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and spread over the cooled loaf.
Notes
- Let the loaf cool completely before frosting so the icing doesn't melt.
- The loaf can be left unfrosted if you prefer it less sweet.
- Flavor deepens slightly the next day.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
