Gingerbread Loaf Lemon Glaze (Printable)
Warmly spiced gingerbread loaf with tangy lemon glaze, ideal for festive or cozy moments.
# What You'll Need:
→ Gingerbread Loaf
01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Lemon Glaze
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Mix molasses into creamed butter mixture. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients in three parts alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
07 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Add lemon zest if using.
09 - Drizzle glaze over fully cooled loaf and allow to set before slicing.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- This gingerbread loaf is perfectly moist with just the right balance of spice and sweetness that feels like a warm hug from an old friend
- The lemon glaze adds a refreshing twist that makes each bite feel vibrant and special, elevating a classic to something truly memorable
02 -
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour goes in; a few lumps mean a tender crumb
- Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze and losing that beautiful shine
03 -
- Use fresh ground ginger for the best spice aroma and flavor
- Adding a pinch of black pepper can bring out a surprising depth in the spices