Moist and Spice-filled Recipe for Gingerbread Loaf
If you’re looking to fill your home with the warm, comforting scent of gingerbread, this gingerbread loaf recipe is the perfect choice. This moist and spice-filled loaf is not only delicious but also a treat for the senses. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a flavour profile that is sure to please any palate. Try this recipe for a delightful baking experience.
Ingredients:
– 225g plain flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 115g unsalted butter, softened
– 100g brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 120ml molasses
– 120ml hot water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a loaf tin with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Line the tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the loaf.
2. Sift the dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the texture of the loaf, so make sure to cream the ingredients well.
4. Add the wet ingredients
Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, add the molasses and mix until fully incorporated. Molasses is the key ingredient in gingerbread, adding both sweetness and a rich, dark flavour.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking the Gingerbread Loaf
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tin
Pour the gingerbread batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the tin gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake the loaf
Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf should be firm to the touch and slightly browned on top.
8. Cool and serve
Allow the gingerbread loaf to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the loaf and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy the Delightful Flavours of Gingerbread
This gingerbread loaf is a perfect treat for any time of the year, whether you’re craving a festive dessert or a cosy snack. The blend of spices and molasses creates a rich and indulgent flavour that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. So, give this recipe a try and savour the irresistible taste of homemade gingerbread in every bite.