Gingerbread Loaf with Frosting

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum to maintain the loaf’s structure.

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When the holidays roll around, there’s no cozier scent than gingerbread baking in the oven. This Gingerbread Loaf with Frosting is rich, spiced, and deeply flavorful—exactly what you want on your Christmas dessert table. With warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, plus a creamy topping of tangy cream cheese frosting, this loaf hits all the right seasonal notes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want a festive treat with coffee, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Christmas Popcorn Candy recipe for a fun and easy holiday snack.

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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

If you’re a fan of cozy bakes that bring everyone to the kitchen, this loaf is for you. It’s flavorful, moist, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Let’s break down exactly what makes this gingerbread loaf a holiday favorite.

Holiday Spices That Warm the Soul

This loaf is powered by bold, aromatic spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These aren’t just festive flavors—they’re the foundation of a rich and nostalgic holiday experience. Combined with orange zest and brown sugar, each bite delivers a warm, slightly citrusy sweetness that feels like Christmas morning.

Cream Cheese Frosting That Pairs Perfectly

What’s gingerbread without a little decadence? The smooth cream cheese frosting brings tangy balance to the spiced loaf. Just three ingredients—cream cheese, icing sugar, and whipping cream—create a light, fluffy topping that doesn’t overpower the loaf but enhances every slice. Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins for another delicious use of this frosting combo.

Simple Enough for Beginners, Special Enough for Guests

You won’t need any fancy baking techniques here. This is a no-fail gingerbread loaf recipe that even first-time bakers can confidently make. With one bowl for wet ingredients and another for dry, you can mix everything in under 15 minutes. Plus, it bakes evenly and slices cleanly, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or packaging as edible gifts.

Check out our Gingerbread Pancakes if you’re craving even more cozy flavors for your holiday breakfast lineup.

Ingredients Needed for the Ultimate Gingerbread Loaf

To create this unforgettable loaf, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few seasonal highlights. Here’s a closer look at what goes into both the loaf and its frosting.

Pantry Staples and Festive Add-ins

Butter (unsalted) – for richness and moisture
Brown sugar – adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor
Eggs – to help the loaf rise and bind
Vegetable oil – keeps it extra moist
Honey – a lovely natural sweetener that plays beautifully with spices
Milk – gives the batter the right consistency
All-purpose flour & baking powder – essential for structure and rise
Pecans – for a nutty crunch in every slice (optional)

Don’t miss our Caramel Apple Fritter Bread for another warm, inviting loaf full of comforting textures.

Best Spices for Authentic Gingerbread Flavor

Ground Ginger – the star of the show
Cinnamon – for warmth and sweetness
Cloves – to deepen the spice profile
Salt – to balance out all the sweet and spice

If you love the combination of bold spices and moist cake, check out our Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze—it’s another festive classic.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients Breakdown

The frosting is where this loaf truly shines. You’ll need:

Cream cheese – soft and tangy
Icing sugar – for sweetness and structure
Whipping cream – to give it that dreamy texture

A sprinkle of chopped pecans and a dusting of powdered sugar makes the presentation feel like a snowy Christmas wonderland.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Gingerbread Loaf with Frosting

This recipe is delightfully simple, but the flavor payoff is huge. Here’s a detailed walkthrough to help you master this gingerbread loaf the first time—and every time after.

Preparing the Loaf Batter

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature—this ensures a smooth mix.

Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl until it’s fluffy. This step traps air, which helps the loaf rise.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vegetable oil, milk, honey, and vanilla extract. The mix should look smooth and glossy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon—don’t overmix!
Fold in the chopped, toasted pecans if using.

Check out Festive Cinnamon Rolls for another easy holiday bake loaded with spice and warmth.

Baking Tips to Ensure a Moist Texture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×4 inch loaf pan (or 22×11 cm) for an easy release after baking.

Baking time: 55–60 minutes. Start checking at the 45-minute mark.
Test doneness: Insert a knife or skewer in the center—it should come out clean.
If the top is browning too fast, cover with foil halfway through baking to avoid burning.
Let the loaf cool completely before adding frosting—otherwise it will melt and slide off.

Need more cozy brunch ideas? Don’t miss our Fluffy Sweet Potato Pancakes—a perfect match with this loaf for holiday mornings.

How to Make the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

Once the loaf is cool, it’s time to frost!

In a medium bowl:

Whisk together cream cheese, icing sugar, and whipping cream until smooth and fluffy.
Spread a thick layer evenly across the cooled loaf.
Optional: Top with chopped pecans, edible sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a wintry effect.
For a festive look, use rosemary sprigs as “pine trees” and place them upright on top.

This beautiful loaf doubles as a centerpiece dessert, and the frosting adds visual appeal that’s perfect for gatherings.

Discover great ideas like our Christmas Candy Bark for more ways to dress up your dessert table.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Even a beginner baker can achieve great results with this loaf—especially with these insider tips.

Preventing a Dry Loaf

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending.
Don’t overbake! Check at 45 minutes.
Honey and oil help lock in moisture, so don’t skip them.

If you’re a fan of rich, moist holiday loaves, you’ll love our Christmas Fudge Cake—another showstopper packed with flavor.

Optional Mix-ins: Nuts, Raisins, Chocolate

While this recipe includes pecans, feel free to customize:

Add golden raisins for extra sweetness.
Swap in walnuts or hazelnuts for a twist.
Stir in mini chocolate chips for a decadent touch.

Presentation Ideas for the Holidays

Elevate your gingerbread loaf with these simple decorating ideas:

Top with edible gold or silver stars for sparkle.
Arrange cranberries and rosemary sprigs to resemble holly.
Wrap slices in parchment and twine for easy edible gifts.

For another stunning presentation, check out our Apple Bread Pudding that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Storing and Serving Gingerbread Loaf

A freshly baked loaf is only half the story—how you store and serve it matters too. Let’s ensure every slice stays just as soft and delicious as the first.

How to Store It for Freshness

After frosting, place the loaf in an airtight container and refrigerate. This helps preserve both the moisture and the cream cheese frosting.

Refrigerated: Stays fresh for up to 5 days
Room temperature: If unfrosted, it can sit in a covered container for 2 days

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap to avoid drying out.

Can You Freeze Gingerbread Loaf?

Yes—and it freezes beautifully!

Freeze the unfrosted loaf for up to 3 months.
Wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer bag.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Freezing tip: Slice before freezing so you can enjoy a piece at a time without thawing the entire loaf.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Brunch or Dessert

Whether you serve it with morning coffee or as the grand finale to your Christmas dinner, this loaf shines on any occasion.

For brunch: Serve with hot chocolate, spiced tea, or eggnog.
As dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
For gifting: Wrap in parchment paper with festive ribbon—instant homemade holiday charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this loaf without frosting?

Absolutely. The loaf is rich and spiced enough to stand on its own. You can serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or even with a drizzle of lemon glaze.

What kind of molasses or honey works best?

While some gingerbread recipes call for molasses, this version uses honey for a lighter, mellow flavor. Use a good-quality mild honey—avoid anything too strong like buckwheat honey.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum to maintain the loaf’s structure.

Conclusion: Celebrate the Season with Homemade Gingerbread Loaf

With bold spices, moist texture, and creamy frosting, this Gingerbread Loaf with Frosting is the ultimate holiday bake. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for your holiday table. Try this festive loaf and bring the aroma of Christmas right into your kitchen.

Don’t miss our Holiday Wreath Pizza—another festive favorite that doubles as a delicious centerpiece!

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