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. 🍞✨
Print
Spiced Gingerbread (Soft, Deeply Spiced & Holiday-Ready)
This soft and deeply spiced gingerbread is a holiday-ready favorite. Made with molasses, brown sugar, and warm spices, it’s perfect for cozy winter baking and festive gatherings.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup molasses
1 large egg
¾ cup hot water or coffee
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and egg until smooth.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and hot water to the wet mixture. Stir gently.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra festive flavor, add orange zest to the batter.
Top with powdered sugar or whipped cream before serving.
Pairs well with hot coffee or vanilla ice cream.
Flavor deepens after a day — perfect for making ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
