Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Loaf Cake
A classic gingerbread loaf cake made from scratch with molasses, warm spices, and a simple vanilla glaze.
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 474kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Gingerbread Loaf Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper if desired for easy removal.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined. Add the molasses and mix briefly.
- Add the salt, spices, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix on low speed just until combined.
- Add the flour and mix until the batter comes together, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Do not overmix.
- Pour the gingerbread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–60 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 glazing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and lemon juice if using.
- Add milk a little at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the cooled loaf before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Do not overbake to keep the loaf moist.
- The gingerbread flavor develops even more after resting overnight.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg
