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Ginger Bread Loaf Recipe

Nothing brings out the holiday spirit quite like freshly baked Ginger Bread, made completely from scratch. This is a fun recipe to try with kids, and the finished product is perfect for sharing with neighbors or coworkers. Served with a generous dollop of whipped cream, it’s the ultimate wintertime treat.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Izzy

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fancy molasses avoid blackstrap
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or mace
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • whipped cream optional for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F, placing the oven rack in the middle position. Grease a square 9-inch metal pan generously with butter. Optional: line with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat until light and fluffy. Note: you can use a stand mixer if you prefer.
  • Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until combined. Then stir in the molasses until combined fully.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
  • Mix in ¼ of the dry ingredients into the batter using a wooden spoon. Then mix in about ⅓ cup boiling water.
  • Continue alternating by adding another ¼ of the dry ingredients followed by ⅓ cup boiling water until used up, finishing with the dry ingredients.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the center is puffy and a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting. Serve as squares with optional whipped cream on the side.