Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Introduction

Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a decadent holiday-inspired treat that combines warm, aromatic spices with a soft, fluffy cake texture. Packed with classic gingerbread flavors—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—it’s perfectly balanced by a silky, smooth vanilla buttercream topping. This beautiful loaf cake is a delightful centerpiece for festive gatherings, brunches, or cozy winter afternoons.

I first made Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake during a holiday party, and it quickly became the standout dessert on the table. The rich, spiced cake brings a comforting warmth with every bite, while the vanilla buttercream adds a creamy, elegant finish. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful contrast that’s both indulgent and memorable.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility and festive charm. You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, include golden raisins for a burst of sweetness, or even drizzle extra melted white chocolate on top. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, as a centerpiece dessert, or gifted to someone special, Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Perfect for:

Holiday celebrations
Winter gatherings
Cozy breakfasts or brunches
Christmas parties
Gingerbread enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake will become your new favorite treat:

Warm Spices: A delightful blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves brings comforting warmth and flavor.
Moist and Fluffy Texture: This loaf cake remains incredibly moist and fluffy, slice after slice.
Vanilla Buttercream Perfection: A smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream adds a decadent touch.
Holiday-Ready: Perfectly suited for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter gathering.
Easy to Make: A straightforward and simple recipe that doesn’t require complex techniques.
Make-Ahead Option: Bake in advance and frost just before serving.
Customizable Frosting: Swap vanilla buttercream for cream cheese frosting if desired.
Aromatic Baking Experience: Filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of gingerbread spices.
Impressive Presentation: Frosting and garnish options let you create a professional finish.
Irresistibly Delicious: A well-balanced combination of spices, sweetness, and texture.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 cup molasses
1 cup whole milk

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Optional Garnish:

Crushed gingerbread cookies
Ground cinnamon for dusting
Fresh ginger slices

Ingredient Highlights

Molasses: Adds a rich, deep sweetness and that signature gingerbread flavor.
Ground Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a perfect blend of warming spices.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the deep molasses flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Molasses and Milk: Stir in the molasses and milk alternately with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed. Add vanilla extract.
Adjust Consistency: Add 2-4 tablespoons of heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a fluffy and spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Loaf Cake:

Frost the Cake: Once the loaf cake is completely cool, spread the vanilla buttercream on top with a spatula.
Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed gingerbread cookies, ground cinnamon, or fresh ginger slices for a festive touch.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

With Morning Coffee or Tea: Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
As a Holiday Dessert: A show-stopping centerpiece for Christmas or Thanksgiving tables.
With a Dusting of Cinnamon: A subtle visual and flavorful touch that enhances the spices.
Pair with Hot Cocoa: A comforting combination that brings out the holiday spirit.
As a Gift: Wrap it up and present it as a thoughtful homemade holiday treat.
Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the buttercream.
With Gingerbread Crumbs: Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies on top for added texture.
Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes it extra indulgent.
As a Centerpiece for Dessert Tables: Stand out at holiday gatherings and dinner parties.
Warm It Slightly: Serve warm slices with a hint of melting buttercream goodness.

Additional Tips

Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure the cake is fully cool to prevent melting.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened butter and room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
Customize Frosting Consistency: Adjust the cream quantity in the frosting to achieve the desired thickness.
Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Bake Evenly: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Recipe Variations

Molasses-Free Option: Replace molasses with maple syrup for a lighter twist.
Gluten-Free Cake: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap vanilla buttercream for cream cheese frosting with cinnamon.
Nutty Gingerbread Loaf: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Maple Ginger Loaf: Use maple syrup in the batter for a unique flavor profile.
Layered Gingerbread Cake: Stack the loaf into layers with frosting and add extra spices in each tier.

Special Equipment

Loaf Pan: Essential for baking the perfect gingerbread loaf.
Electric Mixer: For whipping butter and sugar until fluffy and creamy.
Spatula: An offset spatula ensures a smooth and professional frosting application.
Parchment Paper: Helps with easy pan removal and prevents sticking.
Wire Rack: Provides even cooling to maintain the integrity of the loaf.

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, freshly grated ginger adds a more intense flavor and a lovely zing.
How do I prevent the loaf from sinking in the center?
Ensure your batter is not overmixed, and measure your flour accurately.
Can I freeze the gingerbread loaf?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for frosting.
How do I get a smooth frosting finish?
Warm the spatula slightly with a little hot water and wipe it dry before spreading the frosting.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries complement the gingerbread flavors beautifully.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer preservation.
Can I make mini gingerbread loaves instead?
Yes, simply adjust the baking time for mini loaf pans to about 20-25 minutes.
Is this gingerbread cake suitable for kids?
Yes! It’s flavorful but not too overpowering, making it a hit with both adults and kids.
Can I add lemon zest to the batter for a twist?
Yes, adding a touch of lemon zest can bring a subtle brightness to the gingerbread flavor profile.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is the ultimate holiday delight, combining the warm, comforting flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with the decadence of creamy vanilla buttercream. This moist, tender loaf cake offers the perfect balance of spiced richness and sweet, velvety frosting, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for holiday tables, brunches, or cozy gatherings.

With a subtle molasses undertone and a fluffy texture, each slice is a satisfying blend of warmth and sweetness. You can personalize this loaf by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, incorporating candied ginger for a zingy kick, or sprinkling powdered sugar on top for a festive snow-kissed effect.

I’d love to see your Gingerbread Spiced Loaf Cake creations! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to admire your spiced, frosted masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know any creative twists or personal touches you added to make this cake uniquely yours!