Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf captures the warm, spicy flavors of the holiday season in a moist and tender cake. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with a cozy cup of coffee.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled loaf.
8. Step 8: Slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact. You can adjust the ginger and nutmeg levels to suit your taste.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture and extra fiber.
• For a dairy-free option, swap the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Add chopped crystallized ginger or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and zing.

Storage

Store the gingerbread loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this loaf without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, the loaf is delicious on its own or dusted with powdered sugar. You can also use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if you prefer a lighter topping.

What’s the best way to ensure the loaf turns out moist?

Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added—it helps keep the loaf tender. Also, using room temperature eggs and buttermilk contributes to an even texture and moist crumb.

Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x

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Description

This Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf recipe offers a moist and flavorful holiday treat infused with warm spices like ginger and nutmeg. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for festive breakfasts or cozy dessert moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Loaf

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add eggs and flavoring: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
4. Combine dry ingredients and wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
5. Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is cooked through.
6. Cool the loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before applying the frosting.
7. Prepare the frosting: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to prevent lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
8. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread loaf. Slice and serve as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for best mixing and texture results.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the loaf light and tender.
• Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift the loaf out of the pan without damage.
• The frosting can be adjusted in sweetness by reducing or increasing powdered sugar according to taste.
• Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: gingerbread loaf, Starbucks copycat, holiday baking, cream cheese frosting, gingerbread recipe, spiced loaf, festive dessert