Description
Spiced warmth fills kitchens with this gingerbread honey loaf recipe, blending rich molasses and fragrant honey. Comforting layers of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg invite sweet memories of holiday gatherings and cozy afternoons you’ll cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (312.5 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (85 grams) molasses
Optional Ingredient:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) finely chopped crystallized ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by preheating the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour.
- Sift together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, combining flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set the mixture aside for later use.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate honey and molasses, beating until fully integrated.
- Add eggs individually to the butter mixture, ensuring each is completely blended before adding the next. Gradually introduce buttermilk while continuing to mix.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in crystallized ginger for extra texture and flavor.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and eliminate any air pockets.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the loaf is fully baked.
- Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- For an optional finishing touch, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf.
Notes
- Enhance the ginger flavor by toasting ground ginger in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before mixing into dry ingredients, which intensifies its warmth and depth.
- Substitute buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version of the loaf.
- Prevent crystallized ginger from sinking by tossing pieces in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the loaf.
- Create a gluten-free option by replacing wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the recipe’s rich, spicy character.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg