Cozy Gingerbread Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍞🎄

This delightful Gingerbread Loaf Cake brings a warm and inviting flavor to your kitchen, making it a perfect treat for the holiday season or any chilly day. Infused with aromatic spices and molasses, this cake is both moist and rich, while the creamy frosting adds a sweet and tangy finish. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack! ☕🍂

Ingredients

For the loaf cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)

For the cream cheese frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Baking the loaf

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

🥄 Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake for that perfect flavor in every bite!

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the molasses until fully incorporated.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

🥣 Avoid overmixing—this will help keep your loaf light and tender!

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the frosting

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, beating until well combined and fluffy.

🌟 For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a drizzle of maple syrup to your frosting!

Assembling the cake

• Once the gingerbread loaf is completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

• Slice and serve, enjoying the warm spices and creamy goodness with each bite!

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of black pepper or add a dash of cayenne for a warm heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness. 🌶️
• Nutty Touch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor. 🥜
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter for the frosting, and substitute the buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with lemon juice.

Enjoy the warmth and joy that this Gingerbread Loaf Cake brings to your gatherings or cozy moments at home! 🎉🍰