Gingerbread is a classic holiday treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delicious loaf is perfect for the winter season, and it's a great way to warm up on a chilly day. Whether you're looking for a treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a dessert to serve at a holiday party, this gingerbread loaf recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredient
To make this gingerbread loaf, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp salt - 1 tbsp ground ginger - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/4 tsp ground cloves - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup molasses - 2 large eggs - 1 cup hot water
Optional Ingredients
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your gingerbread loaf, you can also include: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts - 1/2 cup raisins - 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
Instructions
Follow these instructions to make your gingerbread loaf: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients together. 3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. 4. Add the molasses to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined. 5. Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. 6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the hot water. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. 7. If you are using optional ingredients like walnuts, raisins, or candied ginger, fold them into the batter now. 8. Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. 9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. 10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
One slice of this gingerbread loaf contains approximately: - 270 calories - 9g fat - 4.5g saturated fat - 35mg cholesterol - 280mg sodium - 46g carbohydrates - 1g fiber - 23g sugar - 4g protein
Tips and Tricks
- If you don't have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. - To make your gingerbread loaf more moist, add an extra 1/4 cup of water to the batter. - For a stronger ginger flavor, add an extra tablespoon of ground ginger. - Store your gingerbread loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. - You can also freeze your gingerbread loaf for up to two months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Conclusion
This gingerbread loaf recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season. With its warm spices and rich molasses flavor, it's the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert. Whether you're baking for the holidays or just want a cozy treat on a cold winter day, this gingerbread loaf is sure to hit the spot.