Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Introduction

This Starbucks-inspired Gingerbread Loaf is a cozy treat perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave warm spices. Moist and flavorful, it’s topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting that complements the rich ginger and molasses notes beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled loaf.
8. Step 8: Slice and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh spices for the best ginger and nutmeg flavor. Ground fresh ginger can be substituted with a teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger for a brighter taste.
• To make this loaf dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy cream cheese for the frosting.
• If you like a bit more sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the loaf instead of cream cheese frosting.

Storage

Store the gingerbread loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, you can bring slices to room temperature or warm them slightly in a microwave or oven. The loaf also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this loaf without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the loaf is ready. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent collapse.

Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

This Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf is a moist and flavorful holiday treat infused with warm spices like ginger and nutmeg. Topped with a creamy and smooth cream cheese frosting, this loaf cake is perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Loaf

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the molasses until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure proper incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting does not melt.
7. Prepare Frosting: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar gradually, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
8. Frost the Loaf: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled gingerbread loaf.
9. Serve and Store: Slice the loaf and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh.

Notes

• Ensure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture and mixing.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to prevent a dense loaf.
• The frosting can be adjusted in sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar according to preference.
• For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or finely chopped crystallized ginger on top of the frosting before serving.
• Leftover loaf can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Starbucks gingerbread loaf, gingerbread cake, holiday loaf, cream cheese frosting, spiced loaf, ginger loaf recipe