Gingerbread Loaf Cake with Buttercream Frosting

The holidays are here, and what better way to fill your home with warmth and cheer than with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked gingerbread? This Gingerbread Loaf Cake with Buttercream Frosting is the perfect festive dessert—rich, spiced, and irresistibly moist. Topped with creamy buttercream and whimsical decorations, it’s a showstopper for your holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to follow yet impressive enough to delight your family and friends. Let’s dive into the magic of this holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: A blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates the quintessential holiday spice flavor.
• Moist and tender: The combination of buttermilk and molasses ensures a perfectly soft texture.
• Show-stopping presentation: Decorate with gingerbread cookies, powdered sugar, and festive touches for a bakery-worthy look.
• Versatile: Perfect for gifting, holiday dinners, or cozy evenings with a hot cup of cocoa.

What Does It Taste Like?

This loaf cake is a slice of Christmas nostalgia. Each bite bursts with the warm, spiced goodness of gingerbread, balanced by the creamy, sweet buttercream frosting. The frosting adds just the right amount of indulgence, while the decorations bring a festive flair that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or more for desired consistency)
• Pinch of salt

And For Decoration:

• Small gingerbread cookies (trees, stars, etc.)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
• Optional: pinecones or festive accents for presentation

Necessary Tools

• Loaf pan (8×4 inches)
• Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
• Whisk
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Piping bag with a star tip (for frosting swirls)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Gingerbread Cake:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan to ensure easy release.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1. Whip the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Flavor & Consistency: Add vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy, adjusting cream for your desired frosting texture.
4. Pipe the Frosting: Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for decorative swirls.

How to Decorate

1. Frost the Cake: Spread or pipe the buttercream over the completely cooled cake.
2. Add Toppers: Arrange small gingerbread cookies on top for a charming holiday touch.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy effect, perfect for winter vibes.
4. Sprinkle Cinnamon: Add a hint of cinnamon on top for extra warmth and a pop of color.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Loaf Cake

Pair this festive loaf with:

• A hot cup of spiced tea or mulled cider.
• A cozy mug of hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte.
• Vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Loaf

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temp for smooth mixing.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
• Use a toothpick test: Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean, the cake is done!

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted loaf for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this loaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the loaf a day in advance and frost it on the day of serving for the freshest look and taste.

Can I substitute the molasses?

If molasses isn’t available, you can use dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be less traditional.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Wrap-Up

This Gingerbread Loaf Cake with Buttercream Frosting is a true celebration of the holiday season. With its rich flavors, moist texture, and stunning presentation, it’s bound to become a cherished tradition in your home. Make it for your next gathering or gift it to loved ones—it’s guaranteed to bring joy and warmth!

Looking for more festive treats? Try these holiday favorites:

• Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake
• Spiced Gingerbread Wreath Cake: A Cozy Holiday Delight
• Christmas Wreath Cake: A Festive Showstopper for Your Holiday Table

Don’t forget to share your creations! Tag your photos on Pinterest at @EMMARECIPES18 and leave a review below. Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄

Print