This one bowl Gingerbread Loaf is incredibly soft, moist, and perfect for the holiday season. With cozy spices and a classic gingerbread flavor, this quick bread recipe is delicious for breakfast or dessert!

You’ll also adore this Edible Christmas Cookie Dough, Pull Apart Eggnog Bread, and Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies!

loaf on a white surface with two slices shown

It’s the holiday season and there’s no better time to cozy up in the kitchen and bake something special. Today, we’re diving into a classic treat with a twist—say hello to this irresistible gingerbread loaf recipe!

Much like this blueberry gingerbread loaf, it has that deep molasses flavor, combined with cinnamon and ginger.

It’s such a cozy vibe and is perfect for this time of year. In fact, it’s one of those easy recipes that you’ll be making over and over again.

loaf with icing on a white platter

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Treat:

  • Cozy, comforting flavors: with gingerbread spices and lots of flavor, this recipe gives holiday cheer.
  • A one bowl recipe: the batter is made in just one bowl, which means less dishes and an easier cleanup.
  • Perfect for a Christmas dessert: if you have some parties or get-togethers this season, this gingerbread quick bread will be the tastiest recipe to share.
  • Made for gift-giving: make a few loaves or turn these into mini loaves and give as a homemade gift.
loaf ingredients in small bowls

Ingredients Needed: 

  • Eggs
  • Brown sugar: you can use light or dark brown sugar.
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil: coconut oil can also be used.
  • Molasses: light or dark molasses can be used.
  • Vanilla
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Spices: ground cinnamon and ground ginger.

For the icing:

  • Powdered sugar: the base for this easy icing.
  • Milk: or heavy cream for a thicker glaze.
  • Vanilla: for a hint of flavor.
ingredients in a clear bowl
ingredients whisked in a clear bowl

How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Loaf:

  • Cream eggs and sugar: in a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar until smooth. 
  • Add: beat in the buttermilk, oil, molasses, and vanilla until combined. 
dry ingredients whisked into wet ingredients
all ingredients whisked together
  • Combine dry ingredients: slowly add in flour, ginger, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda to wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. 
  • Bake: pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
  • To make the icing: in a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Drizzle: spoon or spread over cooled loaf.

How to Store:

Storing your gingerbread loaf will ensure it stays moist and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it:

  • Cool completely: be sure to cool the loaf on a wire rack completely before storing.
  • Wrap tightly for extra freshness: once the loaf has cooled, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.  This will prevent air and moisture from seeping in and drying out the loaf. 
  • Store in an airtight container: instead of wrapping the loaf, store in an airtight container at room temperature for an unglazed loaf or in the refrigerator for a glazed loaf for up to four days.
  • Freezing: for longer storage, you can freeze the loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and then freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.
loaf slices on white plates

How to Serve and Use:

Once your gingerbread loaf has cooled to perfection, here are a festive ways to enjoy it:

  1. Slice and serve: Cut thick slices of the loaf and enjoy the holiday spices.
  2. Top with whipped cream: top each slice with a dollop of homemade whipped cream (or the canned version) for an extra rich flavor.
  3. Pair with a hot beverage: cozy up with a big piece or two and a steaming cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.
  4. Make it a dessert: Serve warmed slices with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.
  5. Gift it: Wrap slices of gingerbread loaf in pretty packaging or a festive tin to give as a homemade gift. This would make a unique spin on a cookie exchange!

Tips for Making the Best Gingerbread Loaf Recipe:

  • Measure accurately: because baking is a science, be sure to measure the ingredients accurately. 
  • Room temperature ingredients: let your egg come to room temperature before using for so that it incorporates well into the batter.
  • Check for doneness: use the toothpick test to determine if your loaf is fully baked. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Make the icing when the loaf is completely cooled: if you drizzle the loaf with icing before it cools completely, you’ll end up with a runny mess.
  • To make this gingerbread recipe extra festive: garnish with cranberries, holiday sprinkles, or walnuts. 
  • Switch up the icing: use eggnog instead of milk or make an orange glaze by using orange zest.
loaf with a slice missing

Looking for More Holiday Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!

loaf with two slices cut

Gingerbread Loaf

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
This one bowl Gingerbread Loaf is incredibly soft, moist, and perfect for the holiday season. With cozy spices and a classic gingerbread flavor, this quick bread recipe is delicious for breakfast or dessert!
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, (or vanilla extract)
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk, (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer with fitted paddle attachment until sugar is dissolved. Add in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, molasses, and vanilla and beat until smooth.
  • Slowly mix in flour, ginger, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of loaf comes out mostly clean. Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing.

To prepare the icing:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or spread over cooled cake.

Notes

  • Store the loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • To freeze: place loaf in a  freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator. 
  • To make this loaf extra festive, garnish with cranberries, holiday sprinkles, or walnuts.
  • Use eggnog instead of milk in the icing to give this a festive flavor.
  • See my tips and tricks for making this Gingerbread Loaf above the recipe box.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.