Spiced Gingerbread (Soft, Deeply Spiced & Holiday-Ready)

Welcome back to my kitchen — Chef James here 👨‍🍳
There are few aromas that feel as comforting as Spiced Gingerbread baking in the oven. Warm molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fill the kitchen with that unmistakable holiday scent — cozy, nostalgic, and deeply familiar. This recipe is my go-to when the weather cools and I want something simple yet soul-warming.

This Spiced Gingerbread is soft, moist, and richly flavored without being heavy. It’s inspired by classic gingerbread loaves, similar in spirit to my Gingerbread Banana Bread That’s Soft, Spiced, and Cozy, but with a deeper molasses flavor and a more traditional holiday profile.

In the US, gingerbread is synonymous with fall and winter baking. Whether served as a casual snack, a holiday dessert, or a cozy breakfast slice, this Spiced Gingerbread fits beautifully alongside festive favorites like Pecan Pie Cheesecake and Black Forest Cheesecake on seasonal dessert tables.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Gingerbread

• Deep, warm spice flavor without bitterness
• Soft, moist crumb that stays fresh for days
• Simple ingredients and easy method
• Perfect for holidays, gifting, or cozy weekends
• Delicious plain or with toppings

🎄 Do you enjoy gingerbread plain, or topped with whipped cream or glaze?

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – structure without dryness
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – gentle lift
• ½ teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger – signature spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – warmth
• ¼ teaspoon cloves – depth
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – richness
• ¾ cup brown sugar – moisture and caramel notes
• ¾ cup molasses – classic gingerbread flavor
• 1 large egg – structure
• ¾ cup hot water or coffee – activates spices

👉 Tip: Coffee enhances spice depth subtly, just like it does in Caramel Macchiato Cookies.

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread

1. Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.

2. Mix dry ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

3. Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and egg until smooth.

4. Bring it together

Alternate adding dry ingredients and hot water to the wet mixture, stirring gently.

5. Bake

Pour batter into the pan. Bake 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool

Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

👉 Chef James Tip: Don’t overmix — a light hand keeps gingerbread tender, just like with soft desserts such as Blueberry Cream Cheese Dessert.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Extra festive: Add orange zest for brightness (pairs well with Chocolate Orange Layer Cake)
• Dessert-style: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
• Breakfast loaf: Enjoy with butter and coffee
• Holiday platter: Pair with Brown Butter Coffee Toffee Cookies and Gooey Golden S’mores Rolls

For contrast, serve alongside chilled desserts like Peanut Butter Lasagna.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room temperature: Store wrapped up to 3 days
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze slices up to 2 months

For safe storage practices, always follow USDA guidance: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/

FAQs – Spiced Gingerbread

Is this more cake-like or bread-like?
Cake-like, soft, and moist.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes — flavor improves after a day.

Can I reduce molasses?
You can, but it’s key to classic flavor.

Is it very sweet?
Balanced — spices keep it from being cloying.

Can I add frosting?
Absolutely — cream cheese frosting works well.

When is it best served?
Fall and winter, especially holidays — just like Crème Brûlée French Toast shines at festive brunches.

What to Serve With Spiced Gingerbread

• Hot coffee or tea
• Whipped cream or powdered sugar
• Dessert tables with Black Forest Cheesecake
• Cozy cookie spreads

Final Thoughts from Chef James

This Spiced Gingerbread is everything I love about seasonal baking: warm spices, simple ingredients, and flavors that instantly make a house feel like home. It’s humble, comforting, and endlessly shareable.

👉 Bake a loaf, slice it thick, and enjoy the season one bite at a time. 🍞✨

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