Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf spiced with ginger & molasses, then topped with a sweet cream cheese icing & a hint of orange. This lovely holiday gingerbread cake loaf is perfect for enjoying at home or gift giving!
The warmth of the holiday season often brings sweet treats to the forefront, and this Starbucks gingerbread is a perfect example. This delightful gingerbread loaf recipe is infused with spices that evoke festive feelings, making it a great choice for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit!
Festive Flavors with this Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
The Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf is such a delicious seasonal treat to ring in the holidays. The moist cake is flavored with ginger, warm spices, molasses and a kiss of citrus orange. The creamy icing is sweetened cream cheese and a hint of orange.
Not only does this loaf capture the essence of gingerbread joy, but it also serves as a charming centerpiece for gatherings. With its inviting aroma and delicious taste, this Copycat Gingerbread Loaf is sure to impress guests, making it a must-try for the season!
Why you’ll love this Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
- Rich Flavor. The sweetness of molasses pairs beautifully with the spices, delivering a comforting taste. The sweet cream cheese icing adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the loaf.
- Simple steps. This recipe is also straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It requires minimal ingredients, typically found in most kitchens.
- Satisfaction guaranteed. Baking this loaf can be a rewarding experience. The joy of sharing a homemade treat with loved ones enhances the enjoyment even further. With this recipe, anyone can bring the taste of a beloved coffee shop treat into their home.
Ingredients for Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf
Butter: Use ½ cup of butter, softened. I use salted, but you can use unsalted if you prefer.
Sugar: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar for a sweet taste and texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhance the flavors with ½ tsp of vanilla extract.
Egg: Bind the ingredients with 1 egg.
Applesauce: You need 1 cup of applesauce for the bread stay moist while it bakes.
Molasses: Use ⅓ cup of cooking molasses, NOT blackstrap molasses
Flour: Add 2 cups of flour to give the bread its structure.
Baking soda: Adding 1 tsp of baking soda helps the bread rise properly as it bakes.
Salt: Balance the flavors by using 1 tsp of kosher salt.
Ginger: For a slightly spicy taste add 2 tsp of ground ginger.
Cinnamon: Use 2 tsp of ground cinnamon.
Cloves: You need 1 tsp of ground cloves for this bread batter.
Orange zest: Zest from ½ an orange will add more amazing flavor to this treat.
Icing
Cream cheese: You need 4-ounces of cream cheese, softened.
Vanilla extract: Add ½ tsp of vanilla extract.
Powder sugar: Make the icing perfectly sweet by adding 2 cups of powdered sugar.
Orange zest: You need the zest from the other ½ of the orange.
How to make Copycat Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf
Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then spray a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with a piece of parchment paper.
Batter
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the butter, sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, applesauce, and molasses.
After that, in a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. Combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture, stir until the flour is completely incorporated and no white streaks remain. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top.
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, then remove the bread from pan to cool completely.
Icing
Prepare the icing by using an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Continue to spread the icing over the top of the cake. Slice and enjoy!
What type of molasses do you use in gingerbread?
There are several different types of molasses, but you will want to use cooking molasses when baking gingerbread. Cooking molasses is a blend of fancy and blackstrap molasses and is the kind that you will be able to find most easily at the store. You can use a different variety of molasses in gingerbread cookies, but the flavor will vary based on what type you use. The molasses I used just said “Full Flavor” molasses and was the only kind they had at my grocery store!
Where can I find molasses at the grocery store?
Sometimes it’s tricky to find the molasses, but it is usually by the pancake syrup! Sometimes it will be in the baking aisle near the honey, and occasionally I have seen it in the coffee aisle!
Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup applesauce
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 TBSP orange zest
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 TBSP orange zest
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with a piece of parchment paper.
- Batter: In a large bowl using an electric mixer whip the butter, sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, applesauce and molasses.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture and stir until flour is completely incorporated.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, then remove bread from pan to cool completely.
- Icing: Using an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and orange zest. Spread the icing over the top of the cake. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long is this good for & how do you store it?
The gingerbread loaf can last up to 6-7 days when stored in an airtight container, in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Alternate Icing Options for Gingerbread Loaf
For a different flavor profile, consider using a maple glaze or a simple powdered sugar icing. Cream cheese icing can also be flavored with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. Each option provides a unique twist while complementing the loaf’s spices.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect spice balance?
Start with fresh spices, as their potency can affect the final flavor. A combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a well-rounded spice profile. Adjust the amounts according to personal taste, but don’t overpower the molasses flavor, which is essential for an authentic gingerbread taste.
Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Loaf
The Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf offers a delightful mix of spices that evoke warmth and nostalgia. There are many ways to enjoy it, here are a few:
- Pair with Coffee: This loaf is an excellent accompaniment to coffee or tea.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few sliced almonds can elevate presentation.
- Enjoy Fresh: It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later.
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Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf is a delightful bread that is perfect for the holiday season. This gingerbread cake loaf is made with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves and tastes just like the original!
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