The Best Moist Gingerbread Loaf Recipe (Soft, Spiced & Cozy!)

Thank you so much for being here today, friend!
If you’re looking for something that smells like Christmas morning and tastes like a cozy hug, this Gingerbread Loaf is exactly that. It’s soft, rich, and filled with warm spices — the kind that make your kitchen smell like a holiday candle come to life.

This loaf is perfect for cozy winter mornings or festive gatherings. And that secret trick? A touch of hot water with molasses — it keeps this loaf tender and moist for days.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What is Gingerbread Loaf?

This classic gingerbread loaf is a moist, spiced quick bread made with molasses, brown sugar, and a medley of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s like gingerbread cookies — but in cake form!

Why You’ll Love It

• Soft and tender crumb that stays moist for days
• The perfect balance of sweet and spice
• Smells amazing while baking
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for gifting

What It Tastes Like

Imagine a warm blend of brown sugar, butter, and spices melting together — with a caramel-like depth from molasses. Each bite is cozy, festive, and slightly sticky in the best way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup hot water (the secret to that soft texture!)
• ½ cup buttermilk or milk with a teaspoon of vinegar

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap molasses for dark corn syrup (if needed)
• Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Drizzle with cream cheese frosting or lemon glaze

How to Make Gingerbread Loaf

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, molasses, and buttermilk.
5. Add the secret ingredient: Stir in hot water — this creates that rich, tender crumb!
6. Combine everything: Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
7. Bake: Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let it rest for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. The aroma will fill your kitchen — pure joy!

What to Serve with Gingerbread Loaf

• A hot cup of coffee or chai latte
• A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of warm caramel or orange glaze

Try it with my Cinnamon Roll Pancakes or Homemade Eggnog Latte for a full festive brunch!

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter — it can make the loaf tough.
• Use real molasses for deep flavor.
• Let it rest overnight for an even better flavor the next day.
• Store in a wrapped loaf pan to keep it moist.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store wrapped for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.

General Information

This gingerbread loaf traces back to old English recipes but took on its sweet, moist character in the U.S. with the addition of molasses. It’s now a Christmas classic in many homes — especially mine, where we bake it every December weekend while decorating the tree.

For more festive ideas, check out:

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for vegan butter and buttermilk for almond milk + vinegar.

2. Can I use blackstrap molasses?
You can, but note it’s stronger and slightly bitter — best to use regular molasses.

3. Can I make this as muffins?
Absolutely. Bake in muffin tins for 18–20 minutes at 350°F.

4. Why add hot water?
It blooms the molasses and activates the spices, giving that irresistible moistness.

5. How do I keep it from drying out?
Wrap tightly and avoid overbaking — moisture is key!

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Conclusion

There you have it — the best, coziest Gingerbread Loaf that will make your kitchen smell like the holidays. Pair it with a cup of tea, share it with friends, or gift a loaf to a neighbor.

If you loved this recipe, try my Caramel Apple Bread or Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

Happy baking, my friend — and may your season be sweet and spiced!

Interactive Elements

If you make this loaf, please leave a review below or tag me on Pinterest at @poulefrecipe — I’d love to see your festive bakes!

Nutritional Information (per slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	22g
Sodium	180mg

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