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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
