Gingerbread Loaf
Starbucks copycat gingerbread loaf is the ultimate holiday treat! It’s coated in a simple cream cheese frosting and is full of warm spices and rich molasses flavor. Enjoy it for Christmas brunch or a sweet treat at night!
Reasons You’ll Love This Bread Recipe
Perfect for Christmas: This gingerbread loaf is the BEST quick bread to make for the holiday season. Your family will love it!
It’s So Easy to Make: The recipe comes together in a flash with ingredients you probably already have!
Flavorful and Tender: Every bite has a nostalgic and festive taste! Gingerbread is a holiday favorite at my house. If you love it too, try my gingerbread cheesecake and gingerbread pancakes!
Ingredients ForStarbucks Gingerbread Loaf
I love whipping up this copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf recipe during the holiday season! It’s perfect for potlucks, brunches and homemade gift-giving. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand! You can find exact measurements in the recipe card below.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bread structure and tenderness.
Baking Powder: Makes the bread rise and get fluffy.
Spices: A mix of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves adds a cozy, warm flavor.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together.
Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness.
Oil: Adds moisture and richness.
Eggs: Help hold the ingredients together.
Applesauce: Keeps the quick bread moist and tender without having to use extra oil or butter.
Molasses: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract or make your own blend.
For the Frosting
This simple cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for a spiced gingerbread loaf cake. It’s really good without the frosting, too!
Powdered Sugar: Makes the glaze nice and sweet, and also gives it a smooth texture.
Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Mix in a tsp for sweet warmth.
Milk: Gives the frosting the perfect texture.
How to Make a Gingerbread Loaf
This irresistible bread is so easy to make and smells wonderful while baking. Just follow these simple steps for major deliciousness.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, molasses, and vanilla.
Stir Batter Together: Using a spatula or spoon, add the flour mixture to the sugar and oil mixture. Mix until everything comes together into a batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: For the frosting, using a hand mixer whisk the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add the vanilla, milk, and ¼ cup of powdered sugar, and mix until incorporated.
Frost the Loaf: Continue adding more powdered sugar until a soft frosting texture is reached. Frost the loaf when it is completely cooled.
Helpful Tips
This gingerbread loaf is even tastier than the one from Starbucks! Here are some simple tips and variations to try.
Don’t Over Mix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, only mix until just incorporated. Over-mixing can make the loaf dense.
Softened Cream Cheese: Be sure to soften the cream cheese, so it mixes easier to make the frosting.
Add Nuts: You can add nuts to this loaf if you’d like. Chopped pecans would be good as a topping.
Butterscotch Chips: Try adding butterscotch chips to the loaf! I would try ⅓-½ cup of chips.
How to Store Leftover Gingerbread Loaf
This Starbucks gingerbread loaf is delicious for days! If you enjoy it warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, store in the fridge for up to a week.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the loaf in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and enjoying.
More Gingerbread Recipes
If you love gingerbread flavor as much as I do, then you’ll definitely want to try some of these tasty recipes! They’re all so delicious and make your kitchen smell incredible. You can also find my full list of Christmas recipes here!
Gingerbread Loaf
Ingredients
Frosting
1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla2-3 teaspoons whole milk