Gingerbread Loaf: This moist gingerbread cake has the perfect amount of spice,and is smothered in a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for enjoying with coffee, or gift giving!
Found yourself on the naughty list? Trying to impress your new mother in law? Want to get yourself a Christmas boyfriend?
Fact: It is impossible to be mad at someone who bakes you this cake.
This Starbucks gingerbread loaf recipe, is perfectly spiced. Then it is slathered in rich cream cheese frosting. Pop it onto a pretty plate and you’ll find yourself back in the good graces of the neighbor whose lawn mower you never returned, and the only new favorite cousin.
Best of all, this Starbucks Gingerbread loaf is easy on YOU! It takes less than 15 minutes prep, 2 bowls, and one pan! If you like gingerbread, also be sure to check out yesterday’s gingerbread whoopie pies.
Gingerbread Loaf
Ingredients
For the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
- ½ Cup Butter Softened
- 1 Cup White Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg
- 1 Cup Applesauce
- 1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Teaspoon Ginger Ground
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon Ground
- 1 Teaspoon Cloves Ground
- ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg Ground
- Chopped Walnuts For Garnish
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
For the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5" loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla,egg, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Stir in applesauce.
- Gradually add flour a little at a time until just combined. Do not over mix.
- Evenly spread into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Spread frosting evenly over the gingerbread loaf. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.
Nutrition
Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf adapted via The Country Cook
Serve with:
1. Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf Tips:
- Be sure to mix until the flour is just no longer visible. Over mixing will lead to a tough dense cake.
- These loafs also freeze beautifully. Make in early December, and thaw/frost before gifting!
Craving more?
Loaf Cakes From Blogs I Heart:
Apple Cider Pound Cake via Crazy For Crust
Lemon Blueberry Loaf via Sweet Peas Kitchen
Carrot Cake Loaf via Averie Cooks
What do you think of this Starbucks gingerbread loaf?
Made it today and it’s really good. I used a cup of dark brown sugar instead of white. I sprayed and sugared the loaf pan. 😊
Sounds like a great idea, thanks for sharing Carol!
I can’t imagine gingerbread without at least some molasses. Most recipes have up to one cup. This is more like spice cake.
Thanks for stopping by Linda!
I made this yesterday and it’s fantastic. It was a hit in our house and I will definitely be making it again.
So glad ou all enjoyed Shirlee, thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Wow, this gingerbread loaf is gorgeous! I agree, I don’t think I could be mad at anyone who made this for me!
Is the applesauce sweetened or not.
Thanks
Great question Lama! I used sweetened (Musselmans).
Is the applesauce sweetened or not.