christmas old fashioned recipe

Gingerbread Loaf Recipe: Perfect for the Holidays

When the holidays are in full swing, few things bring more comfort than the scent of warm gingerbread wafting through your home. This moist, spiced gingerbread loaf recipe is the ultimate festive treat, ideal for cozy winter evenings or as a showstopper addition to your holiday spread. Paired with a Christmas Old Fashioned, this loaf makes the perfect centerpiece for your seasonal gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Loaf

This recipe combines the rich flavors of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon for a classic holiday taste. The loaf is tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice, making it perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee, tea, or a festive cocktail. Plus, it’s simple to make, meaning you can whip it up without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Loaf:

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp salt

½ cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup (100g) brown sugar

1 large egg

½ cup (120ml) unsulphured molasses

½ cup (120ml) hot water

For the Optional Glaze:

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

2–3 tbsp milk or cream

½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures your loaf is soft and moist.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well. Then mix in the molasses. Gradually add the hot water, stirring until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the loaf dense.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Allow the gingerbread loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

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Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Loaf

1. Use fresh spices: Spices lose their potency over time. For bold flavor, ensure your ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are fresh.
2. Room-temperature ingredients: Let your butter and egg sit out for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
3. Don’t skip the parchment paper: It makes removing the loaf hassle-free.

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Pair It with a Christmas Old Fashioned

Elevate your gingerbread loaf experience by pairing it with a Christmas Old Fashioned—a festive twist on the classic cocktail. Made with bourbon, a hint of maple syrup, and orange bitters, this drink complements the warm spices of the gingerbread loaf beautifully.

Christmas Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon

1 tsp maple syrup

2 dashes orange bitters

1 cinnamon stick

Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In an Old Fashioned glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. Stir well.
2. Add a large ice cube, then garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange peel.
3. Serve alongside a slice of gingerbread loaf for the perfect holiday indulgence.

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Final Thoughts

This gingerbread loaf recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet feels indulgent and festive. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or wrapping gifts by the fire, this loaf—paired with a Christmas Old Fashioned—sets the perfect holiday mood.