When the holiday season arrives, few flavors feel as comforting and nostalgic as gingerbread. The combination of warm spices, dark molasses, and gentle sweetness instantly brings to mind festive gatherings, cozy afternoons, and the scent of baking filling the kitchen. This spiced gingerbread loaf with brown butter cream cheese frosting captures all of that seasonal magic in one elegant yet approachable bake.
Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies that lean crisp or chewy, this loaf is soft, tender, and deeply moist. The crumb stays beautifully plush thanks to a balance of oil, honey, brown sugar, and molasses, making it a cake that slices cleanly yet melts in your mouth. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and spiced just enough to feel warming rather than overpowering.
What truly elevates this loaf is the brown butter cream cheese frosting. Browning the butter transforms its flavor, adding nutty, caramel-like notes that pair perfectly with the spices in the cake. Blended with tangy cream cheese and powdered sugar, the frosting becomes smooth, luxurious, and irresistible. It’s indulgent enough for dessert, yet refined enough for brunch or an afternoon coffee break.
Why This Gingerbread Loaf Works So Well
This recipe is designed to balance bold flavor with everyday ease. It relies mostly on pantry staples and simple techniques, yet the end result feels bakery-worthy. Vegetable oil keeps the loaf tender even after refrigeration, while molasses delivers that classic gingerbread depth and rich color. Honey and brown sugar round out the sweetness, adding moisture and complexity.
The spice blend—ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—creates a layered warmth that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The frosting, meanwhile, brings contrast: creamy, slightly tangy, and nutty from the brown butter. Together, cake and frosting create a loaf that feels festive without being fussy.
Another advantage? This gingerbread loaf stores beautifully. It stays moist for days in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead treat during busy holiday weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Spiced Gingerbread Loaf
- Vegetable oil
- Dark brown sugar
- Honey
- Molasses
- Large eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Warm water
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Kosher salt
Optional Garnishes
- Mini gingerbread cookies
- Candied ginger
- Holiday sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A moderate temperature ensures the loaf bakes evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Set the Pan on a Baking Sheet
Place the loaf pan on a small baking sheet. This helps catch any drips and makes transferring the pan in and out of the oven easier.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, honey, molasses, and eggs until smooth and glossy. This mixture should look well blended and slightly thick.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Water
Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm water. Whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter will be pourable but thick.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Gingerbread Loaf
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the loaf.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Lift the loaf out using the parchment overhang and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
Making the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 9: Brown the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until golden brown flecks appear at the bottom and the butter smells nutty. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Step 10: Cool the Brown Butter
Let the butter cool slightly, then refrigerate it, stirring every few minutes, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Step 11: Beat Butter and Cream Cheese
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and cooled brown butter together until smooth and creamy.
Step 12: Add Sugar and Salt
Add powdered sugar and salt, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined.
Assembling and Decorating the Loaf
Step 13: Frost the Loaf
Transfer the cooled loaf to a serving platter. Spoon or pipe the frosting over the top, swirling for a decorative finish.
Step 14: Add Garnishes
Decorate with mini gingerbread cookies, candied ginger, or festive sprinkles if desired.
Step 15: Serve
Slice and serve at room temperature, or slightly chilled for a firmer texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Gingerbread Loaf
- Don’t skip the molasses: It’s essential for authentic gingerbread flavor and color.
- Use warm water: This helps dissolve the sugars and creates a smoother batter.
- Brown butter carefully: Once it starts browning, it can burn quickly—stay attentive.
- Cool before frosting: Frosting a warm loaf will cause it to melt and slide off.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This gingerbread loaf can sit at room temperature for up to two hours while serving. Because of the cream cheese frosting, store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For make-ahead convenience, bake and cool the loaf without frosting. Wrap it tightly and store at room temperature for two days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to two months. Frost just before serving for best texture and appearance.
Individual slices can also be wrapped and frozen, making it easy to enjoy a cozy slice whenever the craving strikes.
What Is Brown Butter and Why Use It?
Brown butter is regular butter cooked until its milk solids toast and caramelize. This process creates deep, nutty flavors with hints of toffee and hazelnut. When used in frosting, brown butter adds complexity and richness that plain butter simply can’t match. It’s a simple technique with dramatic results, especially in holiday baking.
Final Thoughts
This spiced gingerbread loaf with brown butter cream cheese frosting is everything a holiday bake should be—warm, comforting, festive, and deeply flavorful. It’s equally at home on a dessert table, brunch spread, or cozy afternoon snack plate. With its moist crumb, balanced spices, and luxurious frosting, this loaf is sure to become a seasonal favorite you’ll return to year after year.