Mom’s Gingerbread Loaf
Savor the taste of tradition with my Mom’s Gingerbread Loaf recipe. The blend of sweet molasses, warm spices, and moist, tender crumb creates a timeless dessert that truly captures the essence of the holidays and beyond.
This gingerbread loaf recipe has been in my family for decades. I can remember my Mom making it every holiday season. Our home smelled like Christmas whenever she made it. Gingerbread is a popular holiday treat. Gingerbread bars are another holiday favorite.
The comforting aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger instantly make the house feel like Christmas. This holiday gingerbread loaf makes a great gift for neighbors, family, and coworkers.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you really love this recipe, please share it on your social media!
Ingredients
This gingerbread recipe if delicious as is but if you want to dress it up, sprinkle some confectioners’ sugar over the cooled loaf.
- All Purpose Flour
- Sugar
- Baking Soda
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Cloves
- Ground Ginger
- Unsalted Butter
- Boiling Water
- Large Egg
- Regular Molasses – this means unsulphered. You don’t want to use blackstrap molasses. I use the Grandma’s brand.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s a cherished family recipe I’m happy to share.
- It never fails to impress with the flavor of warm spices.
- Tastes even better the next day.
- Stays moist for a few days.
- An easy recipe suitable for any baking skill level.
How can I serve gingerbread?
- Serve slices of this gingerbread quick bread warm, slathered with butter.
- As I mentioned above, dust with powdered sugar or make a powdered sugar glaze and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
- Wrap slices individually for lunchboxes.
- For the best flavor, make this easy gingerbread loaf recipe the day before you want to serve it. The flavors will have a chance to meld.
- Serve with coffee, hot tea, or milk.
Giftable Holiday Foods
This gingerbread loaf is perfect for gifting. If you want to make a basket of homemade food gifts, try Christmas muddy buddies, ginger sugar, or white chocolate cranberry popcorn. Homemade chai tea mix makes a great gift to accompany this loaf.
More Quick Breads
I love making quick breads for breakfast, snacking, and gifting. My Mom’s banana bread, chocolate chip pumpkin bread, and Hawaiian banana bread are favorites.
Can I make a gingerbread loaf ahead?
Yes, in fact, making it in advance will allow the spices to meld and deepen the flavor.
Why is my gingerbread loaf dry?
Overbaking is the main reason this gingerbread could be dry. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before your timer buzzes.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you really love this recipe, please share it on your social media!
Mom’s Gingerbread Loaf
Equipment
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup molasses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease an 8½ x 4½ loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Stir to combine.2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- In a separate bowl place the butter and add the boiling water, stirring to melt the butter. Add the butter mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula.1 stick unsalted butter, 1 cup boiling water
- Add the egg and molasses and mix until well combined.1 large egg, beaten, ½ cup molasses
- Pour the gingerbread mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350℉ for one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool pan on a wire rack.
- Cool the gingerbread loaf in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edge and turn loaf onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy.
