Frosted Diaries | A Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Who’s ready for a gingerbread loaf?!

I swear, every year around this time, I start craving something that just tastes like Christmas.

Warm & nostalgic in the best way. That’s exactly what this loaf is.

If you’ve never made one from scratch, this is your official invitation to get weird with molasses & commit to smelling like cloves for the next four hours (worth it).

Why This Gingerbread Loaf Works

This one checks all the boxes:

• Soft, but not crumbly
• Spiced, but not overwhelming
• Sweet, but not too rich

You can dress it up with a glaze or leave it plain, but believe me, either way, it holds its own. I’ve made it for holiday mornings, cozy nights in, & once just because I needed something warm while folding laundry.

Gingerbread Loaf

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 1 loaf

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Instructions Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, molasses, milk, and vanilla, stirring until fully combined.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ingredient Notes:

• Molasses is the backbone here. It adds depth, color, and that unmistakable gingerbread flavor.
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create warmth without leaning too sharp or spicy.
• Brown sugar keeps the loaf soft and adds subtle richness.
• Butter brings a classic texture and flavor, but oil works well if you prefer an even softer crumb.

Baking Tips:

• Mix gently once the flour is added to keep the loaf tender.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
• Let the loaf cool before slicing for the best texture.

That’s it! You’re gonna want to make two.

One for sharing… & one for mysteriously disappearing into your own personal snack rotation. No judgment here.

If you try it, tag me. Or comment below & let me know!

& if you’re not baking it yet? Add it to your lineup.

Gingerbread season isn’t forever.

– L

xx