If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that embodies the spirit of the season, the Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake is exactly what your holiday needs. This delightfully moist cake is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves that fill your kitchen with the unmistakable scent of Christmas. Whether you’re serving it for a festive family gathering or gifting a slice to a friend wrapped in pretty parchment, this Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake strikes the perfect balance between tender crumb and rich, spicy flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for your Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake is surprisingly simple, yet each element plays a crucial role in creating the cake’s irresistible texture and flavor. From the deep sweetness of molasses to the touch of aromatic spices, every ingredient contributes to the magic.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup melted: Gives the cake a rich, tender crumb and keeps it moist.
- Brown sugar, ¾ cup: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
- Molasses, ½ cup: The heart of gingerbread flavor with that lush, dark sweetness.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups: Forms the foundation of the cake’s tender body.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Cinnamon, 1 tsp: Infuses a warm, festive spice note.
- Ground ginger, 1 tsp: Delivers that classic gingerbread zing.
- Cloves, ¼ tsp: Offers a subtle spicy bite that complements other spices.
- Salt, ¼ tsp: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Milk, ½ cup: Adds moisture and ensures the batter mixes smoothly.
How to Make Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect environment for your cake to rise evenly. Grease a loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to make sure your gingerbread loaf slides out with ease once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend forms the rich, sweet base that carries all the warm spices and makes the cake wonderfully soft.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients upfront helps distribute the spices evenly through the batter, giving every bite its signature festive flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry mix, stirring gently but thoroughly after each addition. This method keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the loaf.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing to preserve its soft texture.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake
Garnishes
Keep it simple or dress it up—the Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or even a glaze made from cream cheese and a touch of maple syrup. A sprinkle of crushed candied ginger or chopped pecans on top adds wonderful texture and extra festive flair.
Side Dishes
Serve your gingerbread loaf alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a classic combination. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or oranges can also brighten the plate and balance the rich, spicy notes of the cake perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, slice the loaf and stack pieces on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary or holly for a beautiful centerpiece. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes charming edible gifts that your friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake stays fresh for several days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from drying out, so you can enjoy it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert throughout the holidays.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, they thaw quickly at room temperature or can be warmed gently for that just-baked feel.
Reheating
To warm up your gingerbread loaf slices, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat them in a low oven wrapped in foil. This brings back the soft, cozy texture and enhances the spices’ aroma, making each bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with something else?
Molasses is key to the authentic gingerbread flavor and deep color, but you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch, keeping in mind the flavor will be milder and less traditional.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can try replacing the flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary slightly in texture and rise.
How long does the Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake keep?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the cake will keep well at room temperature for up to 4 days and in the refrigerator for about a week.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries can add lovely texture and seasonal flavors. Fold them into the batter just before baking for the best results.
Is this cake suitable for breakfast?
Definitely! Its soft, moist crumb and warm spices make it a delightful morning treat paired with a cup of coffee or tea, perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches.
Final Thoughts
The Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. Its tender crumb, rich spices, and moist texture make it a standout choice for your holiday gatherings or as a heartfelt gift. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a treasured tradition that fills your home with joy and the sweet scents of Christmas.
PrintSoft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake
This Soft Christmas Gingerbread Loaf Cake is a moist, warmly spiced treat perfect for holiday dessert tables or gifting. Featuring traditional festive spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, combined with molasses for rich flavor, this loaf cake is an easy and delicious alternative to classic gingerbread cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and eggs until smooth and well combined to create the cake’s moist base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Incorporate Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to form a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain structure and flavor.
Notes
- For a more intense molasses flavor, use robust or blackstrap molasses.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender and soft.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optionally, dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar or glaze with a simple icing for extra sweetness.
- This loaf freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.