Moist Gingerbread Loaf Cake (Printable)
A moist, warmly spiced loaf rich with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses flavors, perfect for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
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 fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 2/3 cup unsulphured molasses
13 - 2/3 cup buttermilk, room temperature
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# Directions:
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 sea salt in a medium bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding molasses and vanilla extract.
05 - Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently. Pour in buttermilk, then add remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.
07 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The perfect balance of ginger and molasses feels like a little hug in every bite
- This loaf is so forgiving it quickly became my go-to when guests pop in unexpectedly
02 -
- Don't skip the parchment lining—it makes the loaf slide out flawlessly
- Adding crystallized ginger or raisins took this recipe to a new level of deliciousness for me
03 -
- I learned to never overmix once I noticed dense loaves—gentle folding makes all the difference
- The hint of molasses is the secret that transforms this from a simple cake to a cozy classic