This gingerbread loaf recipe is a molasses quick bread, spiced and plain on top. It is not a ginger cookie or a layer cake.
Print
Gingerbread Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
Gingerbread Loaf. From Alissa.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
- Stir the butter and brown sugar, then the egg, molasses, and hot water.
- Fold in the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. The batter will be thin.
- Bake 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then turn it out.
Notes
Use robust molasses, not blackstrap. Blackstrap makes the loaf bitter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Molasses
Hot water thins the molasses so it mixes. Do not boil the water onto the egg.
Spice
Ground ginger carries it. Fresh ginger makes a wetter crumb and a sharper bite.
Pan
A dark loaf pan browns the sides faster. Start checking at 45 minutes.
Slice
Wait until it is just warm. Hot gingerbread crumbles.
Nutrition (estimated)
About 280 calories per serving. Estimate only, not a lab test.
FAQ
Can I use blackstrap molasses?
It is harsher. Robust or mild molasses keeps the loaf sweet.
Muffins instead?
Same batter in a muffin tin, 18 to 22 minutes.
Does it need glaze?
No. A spoon of powdered sugar is optional. The molasses is the flavor.
How long does it keep?
Wrapped, 4 days at room temperature. It is better the next day.