Gingerbread Loaf

Jul 25, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Quick breads Vanilla: Extract Easy

A loaf of gingerbread loaf on a wooden board, two thick slices cut to show the moist crumb

This moist gingerbread loaf features warm spices, molasses, and a rich vanilla accent, perfect for cozy seasonal baking. A tender crumb balanced with the bite of fresh ginger and sweet vanilla.

Prep 15 min

Cook 60 min

Total 1 hr 15 min

Yield 10 slices

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

slices

2.0 cups (240.0 g)all-purpose flour
1.0 tsp (2.0 g)ground ginger
1.0 tsp (2.0 g)ground cinnamon
½ tsp (1.0 g)ground cloves
½ tsp (2.0 g)baking soda
¼ tsp (1.5 g)fine sea salt
⅓ cup (80.0 ml)unsulphured molasses
½ cup (113.0 g)unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150.0 g)packed dark brown sugar
2.0 (100.0 g)large eggs
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract
½ cup (120.0 ml)hot black strong brewed tea
1.0 tbsp (6.0 g)fresh ginger, finely grated

Make it at home

As an Amazon Associate, VanillaGoods earns from qualifying purchases. We only suggest tools that fit this recipe.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, tapping out excess flour.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and grated fresh ginger.
Mix the molasses into the hot brewed tea until combined. Gradually add the molasses tea and the dry ingredients alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Remove from oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips

For a stronger vanilla flavor, replace the vanilla extract with 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped, mixed into the wet ingredients.
If molasses is unavailable, dark brown sugar can be increased by 2 tbsp and substituted for part of the granulated sugar for similar flavor.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make gingerbread loaf?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 1 hour of cooking. The recipe makes 1 9x5-inch loaf, about 10 slices.

How should I store gingerbread loaf?

Store the cooled loaf wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated up to 1 week. Slice before storing to keep freshness.

Can I make gingerbread loaf ahead?

Prepare the batter up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate before baking; bring to room temperature before baking.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

This moist gingerbread loaf features warm spices, molasses, and a rich vanilla accent, perfect for cozy seasonal baking. A tender crumb balanced with the bite of fresh ginger and sweet vanilla.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 10 servings this recipe makes.

277 Calories / serving

10.4g Fat

42.4g Carbs

3.9g Protein

23.3g Sugar

Whole recipe (10 servings): ~2770 cal · 104g fat · 424g carbs · 39g protein · 233g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 277 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 52 min·3.0 mi·~6100 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 38 min·1.9 mi·~3800 steps
Moderate cycling 28 min·5.6 mi
Swimming laps 39 min
Jogging 27 min·2.3 mi·~4300 steps
Stair climbing 26 min·~2350 steps
Dancing 45 min
Bodyweight circuit training 28 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 64 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

Browse available VanillaGoods products below. Check each product's origin and form against the ingredient list; these recommendations do not change the recipe's quantities or preparation method.