Description
A refined gingerbread loaf with a moist crumb, deep molasses notes, and a silky citrus glaze that brightens the spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour — sifted
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger — freshly measured
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter — room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100 g) packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg — room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsulphured molasses — gently warmed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) strong brewed tea or whole milk — hot
- 3/4 cup (90 g) confectioners’ sugar — sifted
- 2–3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice — adjust for consistency
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup mascarpone or crème fraîche — lightly whipped
- Candied ginger slices and thin orange zest ribbons for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices until uniform.
- Cream room-temperature butter with brown sugar until light and glossy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until smooth.
- Stir warm molasses into the butter mixture until glossy. Fold in dry ingredients alternately with hot tea or milk until just combined.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to hydrate.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Whisk confectioners’ sugar with orange juice and zest to a pourable glaze. Drizzle over the loaf.
- Garnish with candied ginger slices and a dollop of whipped mascarpone.
Notes
Serve with a small pot of strong tea or a glass of aged dessert wine. Wrap tightly to store, keeping the loaf moist for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg