Gingerbread Loaf Lemon Glaze (Printer-Friendly)
A softly spiced gingerbread loaf with a tangy lemon topping, ideal for festive or relaxing afternoons.
# What You'll Need:
→ Gingerbread Loaf
01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 3/4 cup whole milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Lemon Glaze
14 - 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
15 - 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk vegetable oil, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Add dry mixture to wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
05 - Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle evenly over the cooled loaf and let set before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It surprises with a gentle brightness tucked beneath warmly spiced layers that feel like a hug from an old friend
- The ease of mixing everything in one bowl made it my go-to for last-minute holiday treats
02 -
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once adding flour for the perfect tender crumb
- Adding crystallized ginger to the batter transforms this loaf into a spicy sweet sensation you won’t forget
03 -
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration and a smoother texture
- Gently fold in dry ingredients to avoid toughening the loaf and keep it tender