The Best Gingerbread Loaf Cake With Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Baking a delightful gingerbread loaf cake with buttercream frosting promises pure comfort and warmth.

Spicy aromas will dance through your kitchen, inviting memories of cozy winter afternoons.

Molasses and fragrant spices blend seamlessly into a soft, moist texture that melts on your tongue.

Creamy buttercream adds a luxurious layer of sweetness, complementing the rich gingerbread perfectly.

Seasonal ingredients create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this simple yet stunning treat.

Let’s whip up a slice of pure happiness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Gingerbread Loaf Is Always a Hit

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this gingerbread loaf requires simple mixing techniques and basic kitchen tools.
• Warm Comfort in Every Slice: Loaded with classic holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a cozy and nostalgic dessert experience.
• Holiday Showstopper: Elegant buttercream frosting and optional decorative touches make this cake impressive for festive gatherings and special occasions.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or gifting, appealing to both kids and adults with its rich, sweet flavor profile.

Pear Pomegranate Wreath Salad Ingredients

• Flour: The base for the cake's structure.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create texture.
• Molasses: Classic gingerbread flavor enhancer.

• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves: Warm, traditional gingerbread spices.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor.

• Buttermilk, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become light.
• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Create smooth, creamy buttercream frosting.

How to Make Gingerbread Loaf Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×4-inch loaf pan and coat it with butter and flour to prevent sticking. Set aside a wire rack for cooling later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three separate additions. Alternate with buttermilk, mixing gently after each addition. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to the wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Buttercream Frosting

Beat butter until it becomes creamy and soft. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Adjust cream quantity for desired consistency.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

Generously spread buttercream over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Optional: Garnish with tiny gingerbread cookies for extra charm.

Loaf Cake Tips That Highlight Gingerbread Flavor

Swap Buttermilk Alternatives: Use yogurt, sour cream, or milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice/vinegar as easy substitutes when buttermilk isn’t available.

Prevent Dry Cake: Ensure accurate measurements and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain moisture and achieve a tender crumb.

Spice Level Control: Adjust ground spices based on personal preference – reduce ginger and cloves for milder flavor or increase for more intense warmth.

Storage Secret: Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping buttercream frosting fresh and soft.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum to help maintain the cake’s structure and texture.

Save And Serve Gingerbread Loaf Cake With Frosting

• Store the gingerbread loaf cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Wrap the unfrosted cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Keep the frosted cake at room temperature in a covered container for 1-2 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking if stacking.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's soft texture.

Mint Chocolate Bliss Wreath Pairings

• Warm Spiced Tea Companion: Brew a rich chai or ginger tea that complements the cake's warm spice profile, enhancing the gingerbread's deep, comforting flavors.
• Creamy Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling, which balances the cake's robust spices and rich buttercream with its honeyed notes.
• Holiday Espresso Match: Serve a smooth espresso or cappuccino alongside the cake, cutting through the sweetness and highlighting the gingerbread's complex, aromatic spices.
• Caramel Whiskey Accent: Pour a small glass of caramel-noted whiskey or bourbon, creating a harmonious blend that echoes the cake's molasses and spice undertones.

Pear Wreath Salad Holiday Layouts

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Loaf: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Spice Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk for plant-based eaters.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Loaf: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, and reduce molasses for diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Cake: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk, use plant-based butter alternative, and create cashew-based frosting for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What gives the gingerbread loaf its signature flavor?

The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates the distinctive, rich taste of traditional gingerbread, giving the loaf its classic holiday-inspired flavor profile.

• Why is molasses important in this recipe?

Molasses adds deep, robust sweetness and moisture to the cake, contributing to its dark color and creating a rich, complex flavor that’s characteristic of authentic gingerbread.

• How can I ensure my loaf cake turns out moist?

Use buttermilk in the recipe, which helps tenderize the batter, and be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Also, avoid overbaking by checking doneness with a toothpick and removing the cake from the oven when it comes out clean.

• Is this gingerbread loaf suitable for people who don't like strong spice flavors?

The spices are balanced, creating a warm, subtle flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of ground ginger and cloves slightly to make it more subtle and enjoyable for those who are sensitive to strong spices.

Gingerbread Loaf Cake With Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm holiday spices dance through this delightful Gingerbread Loaf Cake with buttercream frosting, delivering comforting winter memories. Rich molasses and zingy ginger create a perfect seasonal treat you’ll want to savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (595 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) molasses
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Leavening and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a cozy 8×4-inch loaf pan by thoroughly coating with grease and a light dusting of flour, ensuring easy cake removal.
2. Sift together dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor complexity.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and rich brown sugar until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, airy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, allowing each to fully integrate before adding the next, creating a smooth, cohesive base.
5. Drizzle in robust molasses and pure vanilla extract, gently folding to distribute these deep, warming flavors throughout the batter.
6. Alternate adding the prepared dry ingredient mixture and tangy buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing with a delicate hand to prevent overmixing.
7. Carefully transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a perfectly level surface.
8. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the cake to bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently release onto a wire rack to cool completely, developing its full flavor profile.
10. Whip butter until impossibly creamy, then gradually fold in powdered sugar to create a luxurious buttercream frosting.
11. Enhance the frosting with vanilla, a splash of heavy cream, and a whisper of salt, beating until light and fluffy.
12. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the buttercream, creating elegant swirls and peaks.
13. Finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dusting of cinnamon, and decorative gingerbread cookies for a festive touch.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan version of the gingerbread loaf.
• Reduce sugar content by using coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic option.
• Toast ground spices briefly before mixing to enhance their aromatic flavors and deepen the cake’s warm, complex taste profile.
• Prevent dry edges by covering the loaf with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg