Gingerbread Loaf with Lemon (Print)

Moist spiced gingerbread loaf with bright lemon icing, ideal for holidays or tea time.

# What You Need:

→ Gingerbread Loaf

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 2/3 cup unsulphured molasses
13 - 2/3 cup whole milk
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Lemon Icing

15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
17 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
04 - Mix molasses and vanilla extract into the wet mixture until combined.
05 - Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir just until incorporated.
06 - Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.
07 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
10 - Drizzle the lemon icing evenly over the cooled loaf and allow it to set before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The molasses gives it a deep, almost caramel sweetness that doesnt need frosting to shine, but the lemon icing makes it unforgettable.
  • Its forgiving enough for a distracted baker and impressive enough to bring to a party without apologizing.
02 -
  • Dont ice a warm loaf or the icing will melt into a puddle instead of sitting glossy on top.
  • Measure molasses by greasing your measuring cup first, it slides right out without waste.
03 -
  • Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before you start, it makes the batter mix smoother and bake more evenly.
  • If the top starts browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking.

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