Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf

This Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf brings a rich, spiced flavor with a moist, tender crumb. The tangy cream cheese frosting and optional walnut topping add texture and contrast, making it a cozy, indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season.

A homemade version of the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf, this delightful treat captures the essence of the popular coffee shop offering. The moist and flavorful loaf is a harmonious blend of warm spices, molasses, and ginger, creating a deliciously spiced gingerbread experience. The loaf is typically made with a mix of flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Molasses adds depth and sweetness, while buttermilk contributes to the moist and tender crumb. The batter is often enriched with eggs and butter for a rich and indulgent texture. To mimic the signature Starbucks touch, a simple icing drizzle made with powdered sugar and milk may be added on top. This adds a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a standalone treat, this homemade Starbucks-inspired Gingerbread Loaf is a wonderful way to savor the cozy and comforting flavors of the holiday season.

Why This Gingerbread Loaf Is the Best

  • Warm and Spiced: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates an irresistibly warm flavor.
  • Moist Texture: The addition of molasses keeps the loaf moist and tender, making each slice melt-in-your-mouth good.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: A thick layer of cream cheese frosting complements the spiced loaf, adding a deliciously creamy finish.
  • Simple and Quick: With easy-to-follow steps, this loaf can be made in under an hour, ideal for busy holiday baking.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a festive holiday brunch, a gift for a friend, or simply a cozy treat at home, this Gingerbread Loaf is a perfect choice. Its inviting aroma and rich, spiced flavor make it a holiday favorite that everyone will love.

Ingredient Notes

Loaf:

  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the loaf a tender crumb.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and balances the spices.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the spices.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients, giving structure to the loaf.
  • Apple Butter: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness, enhancing the gingerbread flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the loaf, creating a soft yet sturdy base.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the loaf rise, giving it a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the spices.
  • Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg: These warm spices create the classic gingerbread flavor, making the loaf rich and fragrant.

Frosting:

  • Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the loaf, giving a creamy finish.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Chopped Walnuts (optional): Adds a touch of crunch and complements the warm, spiced flavors of the loaf.

Serving Suggestions

  • With a Hot Coffee or Latte: Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage to enhance the cozy flavors.
  • With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.
  • With Fresh Berries: Pair with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
  • With Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle chopped, toasted pecans over the frosting for a delicious crunch.
  • As a Dessert Plate: Serve as part of a dessert plate with cookies and chocolates for festive gatherings.

A Must Try

Nothing brings the holiday spirit quite like a slice of homemade Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf. Rich, moist, and filled with warm spices, it’s a delightful way to treat yourself or share with loved ones. Creamy frosting and comforting flavors make it a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

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A homemade version of the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf, this delightful treat captures the essence of the popular coffee shop offering. The moist and flavorful loaf is a harmonious blend of warm spices, molasses, and ginger, creating a deliciously spiced gingerbread experience. The loaf is typically made with a mix of flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Molasses adds depth and sweetness, while buttermilk contributes to the moist and tender crumb. The batter is often enriched with eggs and butter for a rich and indulgent texture. To mimic the signature Starbucks touch, a simple icing drizzle made with powdered sugar and milk may be added on top. This adds a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a standalone treat, this homemade Starbucks-inspired Gingerbread Loaf is a wonderful way to savor the cozy and comforting flavors of the holiday season.

Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf

This homemade version of Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting is even more delicious! It's moist, flavorful, and topped with a thick, creamy frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

For the loaf:

  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp nutmeg

For the frosting:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese 1/2 block, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ – 2 cups powdered sugar
  • chopped walnuts for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

For the loaf:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray that has flour in it, like Baker's Joy.
  • Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, mix together the butter and sugar until it becomes fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg, then mix in the apple butter.
  • Gradually add the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg). Once everything is mixed, pour the batter into your loaf pan.
  • Bake for about 55 minutes until the loaf has risen, and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Let it cool completely on a rack before adding frosting.

For the frosting:

  • Whisk the cream cheese with the vanilla, and then mix in 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it's not thick enough, you can add a bit more sugar.
  • Spread a generous layer of the frosting over the gingerbread cake. Optionally, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top. Now, you can slice it and serve it!
Keyword Gingerbread Loaf, Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf

 

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A homemade version of the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf, this delightful treat captures the essence of the popular coffee shop offering. The moist and flavorful loaf is a harmonious blend of warm spices, molasses, and ginger, creating a deliciously spiced gingerbread experience. The loaf is typically made with a mix of flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Molasses adds depth and sweetness, while buttermilk contributes to the moist and tender crumb. The batter is often enriched with eggs and butter for a rich and indulgent texture. To mimic the signature Starbucks touch, a simple icing drizzle made with powdered sugar and milk may be added on top. This adds a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a standalone treat, this homemade Starbucks-inspired Gingerbread Loaf is a wonderful way to savor the cozy and comforting flavors of the holiday season.

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