Cozy Gingerbread Loaf with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

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This Cozy Gingerbread Loaf is the ultimate holiday treat—soft, warmly spiced, and incredibly aromatic. Each slice delivers the classic flavors of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and molasses, creating a rich, nostalgic loaf that feels like Christmas in every bite. Topped with an irresistible brown butter cream cheese frosting, this loaf is perfect for festive gatherings, casual winter mornings, or gifting to loved ones.

Whether served as breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a holiday dessert centerpiece, this gingerbread loaf is guaranteed to spread warmth and cheer.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Loaf

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¼ cup brown butter
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

Make the Gingerbread Loaf

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla until smooth.
4. In a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses and mix until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
5. Pour in the egg mixture and beat for 1 minute.
6. Remove mixer paddle. Using a spatula, fold in ⅓ of the dry ingredients, then ⅓ of the buttermilk. Repeat until everything is incorporated. Do not overmix.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool for 20 minutes, then lift from the pan and cool completely on a rack.

Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until golden, fragrant, and speckled with toasted bits (5–7 minutes).
2. Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and chill, stirring every 20 minutes, until the butter solidifies (40–60 minutes).
3. Let it come to room temperature.
4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the brown butter and mix until completely combined.
5. Add powdered sugar slowly on low speed. Increase to medium-high and beat until creamy.
6. Mix in vanilla, then add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
7. Frost the cooled gingerbread loaf.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a light, even crumb.
• Unsulphured molasses gives the best classic gingerbread flavor.
• Don’t rush browning the butter—its nutty depth makes the frosting unforgettable.
• For clean slices, chill the loaf for 20 minutes before cutting.
• Bake two loaves at once—this freezes perfectly and makes an excellent holiday gift.

Why This Recipe Works

• Perfectly balanced spices for a warm, nostalgic flavor
• Moist, tender texture that stays soft for days
• A luxurious brown butter frosting that elevates every bite
• Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for a holiday table
• Ideal for breakfast, snack time, or festive dessert platters

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

• Buttermilk: Use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
• Molasses: Use dark corn syrup + brown sugar (flavor will be lighter).
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap with whipped cream or leave unfrosted.

Variations

• Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy holiday flavor.
• Top with white chocolate drizzle for a bakery-style finish.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

• Bake the loaf 1–2 days ahead and frost before serving.
• Frosting can be refrigerated separately for 3 days.

Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Freeze loaf (whole or sliced) for up to 3 months.
• Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

• Thaw at room temperature or microwave an unfrosted slice for 10–15 seconds.

Serving Ideas

• Enjoy with a hot latte, chai tea, or holiday coffee.
• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with eggnog for a cozy evening snack.
• Slice and gift in festive boxes for neighbors and friends.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Approximate values (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 472
• Carbs: 72g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 19g
• Sugar: 52g
• Sodium: 516mg
• Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this loaf without frosting?

Absolutely! The loaf is delicious on its own.

Why did my loaf sink in the center?

This often happens from underbaking or overmixing the batter.

Can I use dark molasses?

Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Blackstrap is too strong.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—simply divide the batter into two loaf pans.

This Cozy Gingerbread Loaf is everything a holiday recipe should be—easy to bake, beautifully spiced, wonderfully moist, and topped with a rich frosting that makes each slice unforgettable. Whether you’re preparing it for gatherings, gifting, or simply treating yourself, this loaf brings warmth and joy to every occasion.

Moist Gingerbread Loaf with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, warmly spiced gingerbread loaf topped with rich brown butter cream cheese frosting—perfect for holidays, gifts, breakfast, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 472 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Gingerbread Loaf

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla
• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¼ cup brown butter
• ½ cup cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp milk

Instructions

 

Make the Gingerbread Loaf

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• In another bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla until smooth.
• In a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses and mix until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
• Pour in the egg mixture and beat for 1 minute.
• Remove mixer paddle. Using a spatula, fold in ⅓ of the dry ingredients, then ⅓ of the buttermilk. Repeat until everything is incorporated. Do not overmix.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
• Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool for 20 minutes, then lift from the pan and cool completely on a rack.

Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until golden, fragrant, and speckled with toasted bits (5–7 minutes).
• Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and chill, stirring every 20 minutes, until the butter solidifies (40–60 minutes).
• Let it come to room temperature.
• Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the brown butter and mix until completely combined.
• Add powdered sugar slowly on low speed. Increase to medium-high and beat until creamy.
• Mix in vanilla, then add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
• Frost the cooled gingerbread loaf.

Notes

• For the deepest flavor, wrap the cooled loaf and chill overnight before serving.
• Brown butter adds unmatched richness—don’t skip this step for the frosting.
• This loaf freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for holiday prep.

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