Gingerbread Loaf Lemon Glaze (Printable)
Warmly spiced gingerbread loaf with a bright, tangy lemon glaze for cozy festive moments.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking soda
03 - 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
04 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
06 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
11 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 2/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Lemon Glaze
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2 to 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
16 - 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
# How To Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan; line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy.
04 - Mix molasses into the creamed butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition; stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture in three portions, starting and ending with dry; mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
07 - Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable; stir in lemon zest if desired.
09 - Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf and allow to set before slicing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This loaf is moist and warmly spiced, creating a comforting atmosphere that feels like sharing a secret treat with a close friend
- The tangy lemon glaze balances the rich gingerbread perfectly, making it a favorite for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings
02 -
- Do not overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients; overmixing makes the loaf tough instead of tender
- Adding a pinch of black pepper or swapping some milk for buttermilk can elevate the flavor beyond your expectations
03 -
- Always use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing and texture
- The secret to that moist crumb is gentle folding and not overmixing